CCV Offers First Green Production Credential

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Community College of Vermont’s first Green Production course is underway, with 34 students enrolled at seven CCV locations statewide. The six-week online course is an additional module of the Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, which provides a nationally-recognized credential in the field of manufacturing. CCV has partnered with businesses throughout the state to offer the CPT program since 2015 with the aim of bridging skills gaps in the manufacturing workforce.

“The Green Production module gives Vermont employees at all levels of manufacturing the chance to delve deeper into the issues surrounding green manufacturing,” said Tiffany Keune, Associate Dean of Workforce Education at CCV. “The class also provides a forum for Vermont businesses to talk to one another about the challenges and opportunities organizations face balancing production and environmental impacts.”

Participants in the Green Production class include employees from General Electric, Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. (MSI), Global Foundries, Darn Tough Vermont, Ben and Jerry’s, City Market, and more. Green Production topics include “Why Green Manufacturing Makes Business Sense,” “Conducting Environmental Hazard Investigations,” and “Green Materials.” Students also conduct reviews of government agencies and regulations that oversee green manufacturing, as well as green production case studies.

Darn Tough Vermont Training and Development Specialist Geoff Davison, who is enrolled in the Green Production class, says the training aligns with company values. “Being concerned about green community and green production issues is simply the right thing to do. We hope to advance our knowledge and use it to benefit our business operations…there may be numerous opportunities in our future to build upon and enhance our current efforts in the area of green manufacturing.”

The Green Production class is fully funded by a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. CCV instructors are teaching the class, with assistance from Efficiency Vermont.