Free Mesothelioma Information Packet
Enter your information to receive a comprehensive mesothelioma packet free of charge at your doorstep within 24 hours.
Workers taking advantage of Brownfield training classes
In Durham, North Carolina, workers are taking advantage of Brownfield training classes. Brownfields are sites designated by the Environmental Protection Agency that are contaminated with asbestos, lead, PCBs, or other hazardous waste. Despite the hazards of working with these contaminants, many workers are becoming interested in this growing field during these troubled economic times.
Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural plaques. Mesothelioma can lie dormant for decades before symptoms erupt, sometimes killing patients within mere months of being diagnosed.
Durham Tech's Brownfields Environmental Job Training Program has grown significantly in recent months. "The word is getting out that the program leads to jobs," said Ken Berger, program director for corporate education at Durham Tech. "Given the economy, that's not a bad thing." The program, which held its second graduation ceremony last week, graduated 17 students last spring. Of those 17, 12 got jobs within six weeks of graduation, Berger said. "We're sure it's more since then," he said. "But even that is pretty impressive." Of the recent graduating class, 21 students made it through the eight-week program. The students were chosen from more than 60 applicants.
Berger said the next session, which will commence in January of 2010, has already received 100 applications. The City of Durham and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the program together. Students learn about soil and water management, occupational health and safety, field lead abatement and hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
"We expect to continue to grow," Berger said. "Students are just excited about the program. They know there are jobs out there for them."