Tom Longstreth, with many years of experience in job training and non-profit management, has been named the new Executive Director of ReCycle North. Tom replaces Scott Buckingham who left to complete a Master's in busin ess administration at Boston University.
Tom is excited by the opportunities he sees to make ReCycle North the best training program in the state. According to Tom, "ReCycle North is fortunate to already have a fantastic and incredibly dedicated group of staff. This is a program that can work for people who lack important job skills or the experience necessary to be given a chance in a job." Most social service programs help the homeless and others in transition by providing services (food, shelter and the like). ReCycle North gives these pe ople an opportunity to gain valuable job skills. By repairing vital household appliances and donating these to families in poverty or with emergency needs, trainees gain a real sense of pride and accomplishment.
Tom comes to ReCycle North with strong credentials in job skill training. In June he was awarded a Master's degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government where he worked with Governor Dean's Office to implement School-to-Work. Before returning to school, Tom was Operations Director for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. Upcoming Events--Call (802)658-4143 for information
After eleven years of intermittent custodial work, Ernie Lawrence came to ReCycle North via the Department of Employment and Training Community Work Experience Program. Ernie excelled at the initial tasks he was given and it became clear that he was ready for a more challenging career if he could gain the right skills. Ernie became a formal trainee at ReCycle North and quickly gained technical skills in appliance service and repair.
After graduating from the training program, Ernie was hired by ReCycle North to continue servicing donated appliances. Not only does he run all aspects of the shop when the Appliance Manager is out, he also helps teach the new trainees in the program and is able to offer his insight and perspective as a program graduate.
Ernie's success is testament to the explosive potential when hard work, personal determination, consistent support, and clear opportunities for learning are combined. Ernie, his wife C- heryl, and their children live in Shelburne.
Thirty people applied for ReCycle North's next six-month occupational skills training program. Despite the booming economy and low unemployment rate in Burlington, this suggests a deep need for skill training. There are clearly many individuals who have realized they lack important job skills and are ready to invest in a rigorous program to have a better chance at employment.
Due to funding limitations, ReCycle North was able to hire only six of these thirty applicants. However, over the next year, ReCycle North hopes to build both its base of funding and its internal capacity to dramatically increase the number of trainee positions. This will be an exciting and challenging period of growth for the organization and public support will be especially valuable to ensure success.