Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Trades Training: Historic Ithaca's Work Preserve Program
In this guest blog post, Historic Ithaca’s Marketing Coordinator Bethany Parisi details how their Work Preserve program “has been making an impact on the lives of individuals with barriers to employment since its inception in 2010.”
Historic Ithaca, founded in 1966, has been a key player in preserving the built environment and educating the public about the importance of preservation. Significant Elements, our architectural salvage and reuse retail store, was established in the early 1990s and has served as the site for the Work Preserve program since 2012. The organization's mission revolves around promoting the value, vitality, and sustainability of our built heritage through education, advocacy, and action.
Work Preserve participants learn basic electrical skills by rewiring lamps.
Historic Ithaca's Work Preserve program has been making an impact on the lives of individuals with barriers to employment since its inception in 2010. This transformative initiative offers personalized, one-on-one, and small group training in an 8-14 week Job Readiness and Job Placement program. Focused on soft skills and introductory trade skill development, Work Preserve empowers participants to build transferable job skills and achieve financial independence.
Work Preserve not only offers job training but also contributes to sustainability and the green economy. Participants are engaged in activities such as carpentry, landscaping, and maintenance, aligning with principles of repair, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and local climate action. The program provides opportunities for participants to work in our retail operation, gaining real-world experience and exposure to various trades.
An exciting addition to the Work Preserve program in 2024 is the Green Job Starter Kit, designed to assess and train young adults from diverse backgrounds in green jobs. With a focus on "Environmental Education," the Kit aims to address gaps in the trades/construction/building industries and the green job economy. It outlines a comprehensive plan for recruitment, assessment, and training, involving partnerships with various organizations and stakeholders.
Work Preserve participants working on drywall.
The success of the Work Preserve program and the Green Job Starter Kit relies on a dedicated team. The Work Preserve Manager brings extensive experience, collaborating with partners like the Youth Employment Resource Team and the Career Pathways Project. The Significant Elements' Product and Materials Manager plays a crucial role in providing hands-on training. Susan Holland, Executive Director, brings her expertise in waste diversion strategies and sustainability initiatives.
Success for the Green Job Starter Kit will be measured through formal outcomes and milestones. The goal is to provide training for 10 participants in Year 1 and 15-20 participants in Year 2. Work Preserve staff will actively engage in outreach events, aiming for at least 70% placement of trainees in further work, education programs, or jobs. Each participant completing the program will receive a professional resume, work references, and access to the Career Pathways Opportunities Map developed by the team at Historic Ithaca in tandem with business and community partners.
Historic Ithaca's Work Preserve program continues to be a beacon of hope, providing valuable skills and opportunities for youth facing barriers to employment. The Green Job Starter Kit expansion is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and creating pathways to success in the green job economy. As they embark on this new journey, Historic Ithaca remains a vital force in shaping a sustainable future for both individuals and the community.