creates

the future is green

“Green building is rapidly changing from a niche market to the industry norm. Within a short time, the ability to master the complexities of green construction and certification will be essential to succeeding as a building contractor.”

~ Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO, Associated General Contractors of America, August 2010

The CREATES (Construction, Retrofitting, and Energy-Efficiency Assessment Training and Employment Systems) regional partnership was formulated out of a $3.8 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. It is a collaborative partnership which includes Community Housing Partners, Virginia Tech, NewVA Corridor Technology Council, New River Community College, Wytheville Community College, Virginia Western Community College, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board, and the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board.

happenings & events:

Virginia Workforce Center CREATES Information Sessions
Tuesdays at 5 pm, ongoing

"Greening Your Bottom Line" workshop
September 20, 1 - 4 pm (click here to register)

CREATES Showcase & Green Job Fair at the AECP Green Living & Energy Expo
December 3, 10 am - 6 pm and December 4, 10 am - 4 pm (click here to register)

for employers

The CREATES program is just the tool you need to repower your business. Whether your existing staff members need green job skills to get ahead, or you are looking for new employees already trained in the green construction, green retrofit, energy-efficiency fields, or alternative energy fields, CREATES will help position your company at the industry forefront.

If you are seeking skilled employees or want more information about free* training opportunities and eligibility requirements, contact:

for job seekers

Repower your career with CREATES! Sign up for free* training to improve your employment opportunities in the green construction, green retrofit, energy efficiency, and alternative energy fields. Scholarships available for classes at:

- Virginia Western Community College

- New River Community College

- Wytheville Community College

- New River Center for Energy Research and Training

For more information about course offerings or enrollment, please contact the local Workforce Investment Board representative based on your Virginia city or county:

what people are saying about CREATES:

"Thank you for taking on the challenge to run the CREATES program. To myself and others you have instilled hope and a positive direction in a new career field. I am very grateful for the chance to obtain a comprehensive education that will improve my existing [knowledge] and help me move forward." ~Mark Stolz

"I just wanted to thank you for this AMAZING opportunity. I have wanted to go into the alternative energy field for years but never had the chance before now. Anyone would be a fool not to take this chance. I have no plans of letting this slip through my fingers. It is truly great to see all the potential a program like this has to spark the 'green' in every person's mind." ~ Philip James Rinker

" I have recently been accepted into the BPI Building Analyst class under the CREATES Program.  This is something that I have wanted to do for some time now.  I heard about the program on WFIR 960 and immediately followed up.  I am very confident that this program is going to propel my company to the next level. I would like to express my thanks to the Virginia Workforce Network and, in particular, Vincent Randall. I found his enthusiasm and professionalism to be exceptional in today's office setting." ~Sean Whitson

If you have additional questions or would like more information regarding Energy Training Partnership grant funding or the CREATES program please contact:

*Funding is provided for CREATES via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through a U.S. Department of Labor “Energy Training Partnership” grant.

The CREATES grant and its programs and affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers/Programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.