One JobsFirstNYC Green Economy Network partner is opening doors for advancement through skills training.

Take a peek at how skills training has introduced three New York City women to the green tech job market — and see how one program is working to ensure that they have well-needed support to stay focused on their path to higher education and family-sustaining careers

As New York City emerges from its post-pandemic haze, one thing is certain, if the City wants to cement its position as the business capital of the world, employers must be able to find skilled employees to quickly fill jobs. On the other hand, many young New Yorkers are not enrolled in college and therefore lack the skills to fill many of the in-demand jobs. One solution is to create career-building programs that are aligned to the needs of local employers.

In pursuit of its mission to create and advance solutions that break down barriers and transform the systems supporting young adults and their communities in the pursuit of economic opportunities, JobsFirstNYC works in conjunction with multiple stakeholders across New York City to improve sustainable workforce development strategies. Through its Green Economy, Tech, and Healthcare Sector Networks, JobsFirstNYC is strengthening collaboration among workforce training professionals and employers to build a skilled workforce for today and years to come, enabling more New Yorkers to access better jobs faster. 

One organization that has been training New Yorkers for skilled cross-sector jobs is Stacks+Joules, a nonprofit project-based learning program in computer programming and wireless network management towards career in the Building Automation System (BAS) industry. Stacks+Joules offers a specialized curriculum that engages young peoples’ creativity to supercharge their strengths as learners and get them on the fast-track to valuable technology skills—regardless of prior experience or training.

During Women’s History Month in March, JobsFirstNYC interviewed three compelling and motivated women of different ages who were, or are in the process of completing a Stacks+Joules Building Automation curriculum that includes on-the-job training, social skills building, and classes preparing them for BAS jobs in a green tech sector with high growth and earning potential. This unique all female cohort breaks down barriers for women inspired to explore employment in nontraditional careers, and is a collaboration with the Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, and Henry Street Settlement. 

This is the New Face of Green Tech Workers in New York

Francisca Peral, Khadijah Bethea, and Andrea Lozado are proof that strides are being made to widen access to non-traditional jobs for women, and Black and Brown people of diverse economic backgrounds. 

Khadijah Bethea
Khadija’s journey with building automation began when she found a flyer downstairs in her building. The flyer mentioned HVAC certification and piqued her interest. She used to work for NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) as a caretaker and wanted to own her own business. Khadijah has also worked on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum so she already had some exposure to science, technology, and engineering fields. She is grateful that the short program will allow her to learn valuable new skills and empower her to earn a life-sustaining wage.

Francisca Peral
Franisca entered the program with very little knowledge about coding and was mostly interested in completing her high school credits. She never considered herself as someone smart or confident. However, as soon she started the program, Stacks+Joules co-founders, Jonathan Spooner and Michael Conway were welcoming and demonstrated a deep respect for the program participants. Francisca felt encouraged and grateful that the program didn’t focus or highlight missteps. Instead, after completing the program she was offered an opportunity to be an instructor. She is now a Program Facilitator. “I have always enjoyed helping and this allows me to help people who are like her. My training allows me to help my community, every community.” said Francisca. 

Andrea Lozado
Born and raised in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Andrea was feeling a little disappointed about several career derailments. Prior to the pandemic she worked as a clerk and had also gone to culinary school but she was struggling to earn a livable wage. Because she isn’t one to give up easily, she had started thinking about becoming a paramedic. She then came across the flyer that changed her life. This program offered a stipend while she was training, which, because she is a mother, made it particularly attractive to Andrea.. The stipend is critical for mothers, who often have to continue to support their families while in training. As soon as she learned more about the program offerings, Andrea felt like this opportunity was designed just for her.

A Sense of Purpose and Sisterhood

All three women were in agreement about the strength of the sisterhood they have formed while navigating their classes and training. “The tears and frustration have made us more determined to succeed as a unit. Francisca, even though she is the youngest, has emerged as a mentor,” said Khadijah. They also joked about how the training for a traditionally male-dominated field was less intimidating because they were learning in an all-female cohort. 

As the interview wrapped up, Francisca became emotional about how learning in-demand skills has made her more confident about her future. The three women proffered some words of encouragement to job seekers who are insecure about how their lack of tertiary education will affect job prospects. 

Words of Encouragement for Young People

Khadijah: “The more you learn, the hungrier you get for more information. Information is critical. The information that you receive leads to good job opportunities that you never imagined.”

Francisca: “Make the best for yourself. Do not give up because you haven’t achieved the level of education that you want.” 

Andrea: “Balance education with having fun. Education will always be important. Even though times change, you must keep learning. I hope more programs will provide stipends for parents who are in training programs. It lets us attend classes and be fully present. You don’t have to constantly worry about sacrificing their education because they can’t work at the time.”

Khadijah and Andrea are set to graduate this Spring.

About Stacks+Joules
The program model currently consists of approximately 180 hours of instruction and activities. The curriculum is designed to deliver mastery of rigorous technical skills and concepts while remaining exciting and interesting to ensure student engagement. Graduates are further supported with internship and job placement assistance, as well as future career development guidance and mentorship from building automation professionals.

About the Green Economy Network
The Green Economy Network (GEN) for New York City is a multi-stakeholder approach to building an inclusive green economy and advancing access to economic opportunity. JobsFirstNYC, with co-founding agencies Green City Force, The HOPE Program, and Nontraditional Employment for Women, launched development of the GEN late 2020. The Network is led by an active steering committee and three working groups meeting their mission to establish effective practices and align current systems to create green jobs and career paths with priority on access and sustainability.

For more about the Green Economy Network and ways to partner, please contact Megan Marshall, Manager of Work Solutions at mmarshall@jobsfirstnyc.org