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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: Start a Green Career Today

Looking for a Job? Discover how this Department of Labor funded project can lead to your sustainable career.

Santa Monica College, Golden West College and Irvine Valley College have partnered with regional workforce centers under the auspices of the California Works Alliance—a community-based job training grant sponsored by the Department of Labor.

The goal of this community college training is to prepare and place Southern Californians in a variety of jobs in the emerging green businesses and industries.

Ken Matsagas, one of 36 graduates from Orange County, got an internship in the industry thanks to the training program and accumulated a wealth of experience.

“I’ve always considered myself a businessman first and environmentalist…seventh, but the program helped me apply my business experience to recycling and zero waste so they make good business sense. Now I’m starting a new business venture that helps me do what I do best,” said Matsagas, a 67-year–old former Marine and Vietnam vet who graduated from the program last April and currently works with Beach Side Recycling.

“This program is about getting solid knowledge and experience that will put graduates on the path to finding a job that helps both the environment and the economy,” said Laina Long, project manager for the California Works Alliance.

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