Environmental job training class graduation

Above, trainees are being sprayed and washed down as part of the Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. They were trained to become certified as waste site workers who will work with contractors when they clean out the Howardville School for asbestos and lead-based paint. -submitted photo

In June, Vannessa Frazier, Executive Director, Howardville Community Betterment, presented a program about the environmental job training class to the Portageville City Council. At that time, several folks took Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. They are training to become certified as waste site workers who will work with contractors when they clean out the Howardville School for asbestos and lead-based paint.

The class started July 7th, and finished Sept. 12th, with a one-week practical training session and two week of waiting for certification. An award program and dinner was held on Oct. 11th.

"We will work with the guys for tracking and placement for one year after graduation. Positions working to clean up the Howardville school are being posted to promote locally-sourced hiring. Certifications include U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), are state- and federally-regulated and are good for two years. The classes are designed for the unemployed, ex-felons, and veterans, to help them become gainfully employed in their community or county," said Frazier. The next class is set for Nov. 1.

The Environmental Job Training Career Program covers the five-county area of the Missouri Bootheel, including Dunklin, Pemiscot, New Madrid, Mississippi and Scott Counties. Citizens must sign up at Howardville City Hall.

For more information, contact Ervin Mead at 573-521-7637