California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday and city of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg recently announced the first round of awardees in the city's #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps. This $6.9 million investment aims to create new employment opportunities for local young people, emphasizing the importance of green jobs and environmental sustainability.
#CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps
The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps is an innovative collaboration between state and local governments to help underserved youth and young adults find meaningful employment.
In the initial phase of this groundbreaking investment, community-based organizations Green Technical Education and Employment (Green Tech), Sierra Service Project, and Sacramento Tree Foundation have partnered with the city to provide dozens of Sacramento residents aged 16-30 pathways into clean and green careers.
California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday believes this initiative is a win for young people, the City of Sacramento, and the State of California. The program is committed to partnering with local organizations to create significant job opportunities for vulnerable youth populations.
Green Jobs for Tomorrow
The importance of green jobs training for young people cannot be understated, as it equips them with the skills needed for the future of work.
Green Tech will offer training and employment in urban farming and forestry, building electrification, and electric vehicle maintenance. Sierra Service Project will employ youth in home energy efficiency retrofits, water conservation, and food sovereignty projects. At the same time, Sacramento Tree Foundation will provide training and employment in ecology management, oak tree care, and volunteer coordination.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg emphasizes that this initiative is about creating opportunities for young people and directly investing in the fight against climate change. Ensuring that young people and neighborhoods have access to good climate-focused jobs is a vital step toward a more sustainable future.
Green Jobs in Sacramento
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects significant job growth in environmental preservation and natural resource conservation occupations.
Two of the fastest-growing occupations between 2020 and 2030—wind turbine service technicians (a 68-percent increase) and solar photovoltaic installers (a 52-percent increase)—involve green work.
Green jobs are essential for maintaining a healthy environment and combating climate change. Workers in these fields build and maintain systems that create renewable energy, monitor the environment, investigate pollution sources, and advise organizations or individuals on protecting and preserving natural resources.
Sacramento Investing in Youth Training
Over the next two years, the City of Sacramento will employ 600 young people in full and part-time paid positions by May 2024. The first phase of funding amounts to approximately $500,000 of the $6.9 million investment, with each program providing hourly pay, training, and career coaching services in clean and green fields for youth and young adults during the summer of 2023. Future funding phases will create youth job opportunities in public service, food security, and jobs related to Covid-19 recovery.
Community organizations involved in this service and career development program will also offer wrap-around services like job coaching and training while directly employing members. In alignment with California Volunteers' mission, priority will be given to youth from low-income families, those with a history of incarceration, or those transitioning from foster care.
Senator Angelique V. Ashby highlights the importance of training the next generation for tomorrow's jobs. Meeting California's ambitious climate change goals requires a well-prepared workforce, and this funding helps make that happen in Sacramento.
Join the Green Youth Jobs Corps
Students interested in participating in these programs should fill out the interest form at cityofsacramento.org/Economic-Development/Workforce-Development.
For updates and more information, visit engagesag.org on the City's Economic Development homepage, and follow facebook.com/econdev. To learn more about the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, visit CAYouthJobsCorps.com.
Entrusting Our Youth with the Future of Sacramento
This exceptional investment in the future of Sacramento's youth will provide them with opportunities to enter the green job market and contribute to a sustainable future for the city and the state of California.
Sacramento sets an inspiring example for other cities to follow by supporting and nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
The focus on green jobs and sustainable career paths is a testament to the forward-thinking vision of the city, state, and community organizations involved. As the world faces the challenges of climate change, it is essential to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting, positive impact on the environment. By offering training and employment in green industries, the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Job Corps is taking a hopeful and proactive step towards a brighter, greener future for all.