Senator Parker 2nd Annual Job Fair Highlights Green Collar Job Opportunities

Over 40 private companies, public sector agencies and non-profits meet with job-seekers with a focus on preparing for green industry training

Brooklyn, NY- With today’s economic uncertainty and the nation transitioning to a greener economy, State Senator Kevin Parker hosted his 2nd annual job fair which featured more than 40 federal, state, private and non-profit companies with a focus on green job training and development. Despite the rain, nearly 200 people thronged to the all-day event, at the Flatbush YMCA, to meet with prospective employers and attend job readiness training workshops. Senator Parker who chairs the New York State Energy & Telecommunications introduced constituents to the area of green technologies.

"Investing in green industryand green collar jobs will not only improve the environment but will also spur long-term economic growth," said Senator Parker, Chair of the New York State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee."Green jobs are our future and working with today’s partners like NYSERDA and the Apollo Alliance will train people to be credentialed in this growing industry.. I believe the best hope of reviving the crumbling job market lies in the increase of green jobs," said Chairman Parker.

"The Flatbush YMCA and Senator Parker’s office have been community partners for years. We continue to work together on issues impacting the Flatbush community, then work together to develop solutions, said Novelette Scott, Executive Director of the Flatbush YMCA.

Leela, who has been job hunting for quite some time, added, "This was great for all who are starting over in their careers. This will help out with my search."

Patricia, representative from the New York State Apollo Alliance added, "It’s an honor to be part of this great event and help connect job seekers to the future of green job development."

Of the many companies represented were New York Power Authority; Verizon; the New York State Department of Labor; City University of New York (CUNY); National Grid; Consolidated Edison; New York State Troopers; Visiting Nurse Services of New York and a host of non-profit and private-sector organizations.

Free Job Readiness workshops throughout the day focused on resume building, interview techniques and green job training on construction, engineering, energy and telecommunications were provided by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Service; Brooklyn Education Opportunity Center (BEOC), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and New York State Apollo Alliance, respectively.