UMaine Roundtable Takes Up Green Jobs for Women Dec. 11

News advisory – Dec. 10, 2009

Contact: Sharon Barker, 581-1508

ORONO — What is a “green” job and how do you get one?

This question and others will be up for exploration Friday, Dec. 11, from 1-4 p.m. at the UMaine Wells Conference Center, as the Women’s Resource Center sponsors a public roundtable discussion on well-paying, career-track green jobs for women.

Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman will be present to offer perspectives, along with representatives from business, labor, academia, state government, advocacy groups and worker factions.

Discussions will cover:

– What are green jobs and what skill sets or degrees are needed for green employment?
– How can government, education and the private sector utilize green policies and -practices to strengthen Maine’s economy?
– Do women experience barriers or challenges when they attempt to pursue green employment?
– And why does supporting an environmental policy make good business sense?

The public is invited to attend and participate in the discussions. The event will provide a chance for people from various sectors and perspectives to become more aware of the opportunities and challenges of increasing participation of women in a critical, growing segment of the economy.

The program is offered at no cost thanks to financial support from the Women’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, and in collaboration with the UMaine Bureau of Labor Education and the Maine Department of Labor.

For more information, call (207) 581-1508.