by KYW’s Mike DeNardo
A former factory in Kensington is being transformed into an adult vocational school for “green” jobs, thanks to a big-time grant.
The nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency is getting a grant of more than $1 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to retrofit the Kensington factory to train workers in weatherization and solar technology.
ECA’s executive director is Liz Robinson:
“We own a massive old factory that used to make Civil War uniforms. And we’re retooling this wonderful building to, frankly, make a revolution in energy efficiency in neighborhoods.”
Mayor Nutter (above right) says the new building science center will train hundreds of workers this year:
“I soon expect that Philadelphia will be the nation’s capital of green jobs.”
Nutter says the first class begins training at the center in April.
(Photos by KYW’s Mike DeNardo)