Frequently Asked Questions

1.     What is a green job?

a.     A green job is any job that’s main goal is to reduce environmental impacts of human activity or products on resources (e.g. water, land, air). Green jobs can range from something very technical like mechanical engineering to a less technical skill such as landscaping an area to minimize erosion and sedimentation of a nearby body of water.

2.     Is there a stipend available for transportation costs (e.g. gas or bus fare)?

a.     No, there is not a stipend available for transportation costs through this grant.

3.     Am I paid to attend this program?

a.     No, you are not paid to attend this program.

4.     What is Building Green Jobs for Alabama?

a.     Building Green Jobs for Alabama program is a FREE five step job training opportunity offered to 550 eligible job seekers over the course of the next two years. These five steps include a green building workshop, industry-recognized certificate trainings and credential testing (LEED® Green Associate and Green Advantage®) as well as job coaching from professionals in the green building trades.

5.     Will I get a job from this program?

a.     No jobs are guaranteed after completing this program. It is guaranteed that you will have one green building credential to add to your resume and name, a great deal of education about green building and sustainability, and networking opportunities with other members of the green community throughout Alabama.

6.     Is this job training or job placement?

a.     This program is job training NOT job placement.

7.     Is the training free?

a.     If you meet our eligibility requirements the training is absolutely FREE, including the materials, books, and green building credential test.

8.     What are the eligibility requirements?

a.     The eligibility requirements for the Building Green Jobs for Alabama program are:

·  Individual is unemployed or underemployed

·  18+ years of age

·  Driver’s License or

·  Birth Certificate or

·  U.S. Passport/Work Permit

·  U.S. Citizen

·  Photo ID and US Birth Certificate or

·  Photo ID and Social Security Card or

·  U.S. Passport or

·  Unexpired Foreign Passport

·  If applicable, Selective Service Registration

·  Online Verification of Registration Printout (www.sss.gov) or

·  Selective Service Registration Card

·  Waiver Form

If you meet these requirements, the program is FREE. You MUST bring the listed documentation to Step One to ensure your eligibility in this program.

9.     Why will it take six months or less to attend and complete this program?

a.     It will take a participant six months or less to complete the Building Green Jobs for Alabama program because each participant will need time to complete each step, including attending certificate training for a green building credential, studying and testing for his or her chosen credential.

10.  What credentials are you offering through this program?

a.     Through the Building Green Jobs for Alabama program the following credentials are offered: LEED® Green Associate and Green Advantage ®. Each participant will have the opportunity to test for one of these credentials through the five step program.

11.  When will there be a program in my area of Alabama?

a.     Programs for Building Green Jobs for Alabama are based on need. This means that whenever 25-30 individuals in your area of the state express interest in the program, the Green Workforce Project Director will then begin scheduling courses in that area of the state.

12.  I’ve registered for Building Green Jobs for Alabama but have not heard about any classes in my area, what should I do?

a.     We’re sorry that you have had to wait so long for a class in your area of the state. Please keep in mind this is a state-wide program so classes are constantly being added and held in various parts of the state. The best way to get a Building Green Jobs for Alabama program in your area is to encourage your friends and family to register.

If you are incredibly eager to get started in the program and willing to travel, you can contact Mrs. Justinn Overton, the Green Workforce Project Director at justinn.overton@usgbcofal.org or 205/870.1557, about registering for a class outside of your area of the state.

13.  What does this program offer?

a.     This program offers its participants the opportunity to learn about sustainability and the principles of green building, one FREE green building credential & study material, and networking opportunities with individuals and companies in the green building and sustainability trades.

14.  Do I have to be unemployed to register for the Building Green Jobs for Alabama program?

a.     No, you do not have to be unemployed to register for this program.

If you are interested in registering for this program and you are currently employed, please contact Mrs. Justinn Overton, Green Workforce Project Director at justinn.overton@usgbcofal.org or 205/870.1557.

15.  Do you have to have a construction background to be in this program?

a.     No, you do not have to have a construction background to enroll in this program.

16.  Do I have to be a resident of Alabama to register for this program?

a.     Yes.

17.  What does underemployed mean?

a.     An individual is underemployed if they are working with a skill or educational level that does not match their current occupations or if the individual’s jobs does not match their desire to work full time.

18.  How do I know if I'm underemployed?

a.     The Department of Labor defines underemployed persons as (1) those working below their skill capacities, (2) those who are, or will be, working on less than a full-time bases in their industries or occupations, or (3) those who have received notice that they will be unemployed because their skills are becoming obsolete. If you fit any or all of these qualifications, you are considered underemployed.