Jobs for Delaware Graduates celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in conjunction with its annual Competitive Events Conference at the Dover Sheraton Hotel on April 22.

Approximately 250 juniors and seniors from across the state were gathered to compete in employment-related skills such as interviewing, telephone techniques and problem-solving. One special emphasis in JDG classrooms this year has been to educate students on careers related to improving the environment and resource sustainability.

The featured guest speaker, Gary Sorin from Interra Consulting (www.InterraConsulting.com), provided insight to JDG students regarding what companies are doing to achieve environmental sustainability and how career choices can have an impact on improving the environment. Sorin’s corporate experience and passion for improving our planet was evident during his discussion of "The Greening of Corporate America." Students were provided inspiration and advice on choosing a career path that both interests them and improves the environment.

Students also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of green organizations and companies. Environmental organizations provided general information on sustainability and volunteer opportunities. Those represented included: Cool Cities Delaware, Delaware Energy Office, Ducks Unlimited, Delaware Forest Service, Delaware Rural Water Association, and Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Companies with initiatives to reduce energy and resource usage were available to discuss their programs and products. These companies included: UPS, Green Clean Delaware, Recycling Angels, World Class Products and Precision Air Convey. Educational training opportunities were also made available to students through meetings with representatives from Delaware Tech, Carpenter's Union Locals 2012 and 626 and Lincoln College of Technology.

The school with the most participation during the event will be awarded as the "Green Chapter of the Year" at the annual JDG Award Luncheon on May 13.

Labels: Delaware, green jobs, students