LEWISTON – Eleven area men and women are receiving training in Brownfields remediation through an Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to the city of Lewiston.

The Brownfields Initiative for Local Development is a free training program available to low-income individuals in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Students receive several state and national certifications and licenses and will be prepared to work for many local employers involved in rehabilitation and building cleanup projects.

A ceremony is planned for the first class of graduates at noon Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Bates Mill Complex.

The training program is managed by Central Maine Community College in Auburn and classes are held there and at the B Street Community Center in downtown Lewiston.

The 205-hour program includes modules on safety, environmental abatement, construction math, rigging, blueprint reading and teambuilding.

According to Coordinator Ray Cook, “Students are really enjoying the program. The hands-on experience and group work are great elements to increase confidence when applying for jobs in the field.”

The second program is scheduled to start in late January. Anyone interested in learning more about it should attend an orientation to learn more about the free training program on Monday, Nov. 29, or Wednesday, Dec. 1. For orientation times and locations, contact Cook at 786-4209 or e-mail rcook@worksweb.net.