This afternoon, 18 more students graduated from the Durham Brownfields Environmental Technology Job Training Program.

The City of Durham received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. EPA in 2008 to train about 60 residents from Northeast Central Durham and the surrounding area to gain the skills and training needed to competitively seek employment in the assessment and cleanup activities associated with the redevelopment and reuse of local and regional brownfield sites, as well as other related "green" markets.

The EPA says the term "brownfield site" means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The city says 17 students graduated from the first class; 12 found jobs in related fields.

Students have received training and certifications that include: CPR/First Aid (Emergency Response) certifications; a 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER) certificate; field testing and equipment; lead worker awareness; and soil and water management. Employment opportunities for these students will offer starting salaries of $11 to $13 per hour.

For more information, contact Nicholas McCoy, interim senior workforce development manager for City of Durham's Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Durham JobLink Career Center, at (919) 560-4965, extension 15220 or via e-mail at Nicholas.McCoy@durhamnc.gov.

For general information regarding the Durham JobLink Career Center, visit the City's Web site at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/eed/dwdb_joblink.cfm.