Detroit Evening Report: Nonprofit to host DTE Tree Trim Academy open house
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Participants in DTE Energy's Tree Trim Academy are trained on climbing trees and tying knots among other skills.
Detroit nonprofit Focus: HOPE will host an open house this Friday, Sept. 29, about the DTE Tree Trim Academy – a six-week training program designed to address the growing demand for skilled tree trimmers in the Detroit metropolitan area.
The academy is a collaboration between DTE Energy, Detroit Local 17, the City of Detroit and Focus: HOPE, which provides employment training and assistance to metro Detroiters in need.
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Graduates of the academy will be equipped with the skills needed to move into IBEW Local 17’s apprenticeship program – one of only two Labor Department-certified apprenticeships in the country, according to Local 17.
“We strive to build an empowered and diverse workforce and are excited to help develop more well-trained and well-paid workers who put safety first,” said Local 17 Business Manager James Shaw. “Growing and developing local talent has to be a focus to best maintain safe, reliable energy.”
The Tree Trim Academy is felon-friendly, and is open to all individuals who are at least a senior in high school and have a valid driver’s license.
The informational session will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DTE Tree Trim Academy Training Center, 7800 Pierson St., Detroit. There will be light refreshments served and free parking available.
“The DTE Tree Trim Academy is an incredible opportunity for Detroit residents to learn a valuable skill, make an excellent wage and contribute to improvements being made in our neighborhoods,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement. “I appreciate DTE’s commitment to diversifying its workforce and the partnership of IBEW Local 17 and Focus: HOPE to assist Detroiters for this innovative program.”
Other headlines for Sept. 27, 2023:
- Michigan State University fired its head football coach Mel Tucker on Wednesday for having what he described as consensual phone sex with an activist and rape survivor.
- The state will honor the musical legacy of Tex-Mex migrants in Southwest Detroit with a first-of-its-kind historical marker that will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony on Friday, Sept. 29.
- The Halal Ribfest, Michigan’s largest Halal food event, is coming to Dearborn’s Fairlane Town Center this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
- The Brightmoor Harvest Festival and Community Resource Fair is taking place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 on Detroit’s westside. The family-friendly event is free to the public and will be hosted by the Brightmoor Artisans Collective at 22735 Fenkell Ave., Detroit.
- Jeff Greenberg has been named the new general manager of the Detroit Tigers.
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