PPS ANNOUNCES THE SPRING 2021 CYCLE OF THE

WINDOW & WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM

The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) in partnership with Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and Heritage Restoration Inc., Rhode Island Builders Association, the Providence Revolving Fund, and Red House Custom Building, is pleased to announce the launch of a paid, hands-on five-week job training program in historic window restoration. The Window and Workforce Training Program (WWTP) offers valuable training to under- and unemployed Rhode Island residents that will enable them to: 

• Repair and maintain historic, wooden sash windows;
• Build basic business and entrepreneurship skills; and
• Acquire other valuable skills for employment in the preservation field

Under the guidance and supervision of professional preservation craftspeople, PPS staff, and guest lecturers, participants immerse themselves in the architectural history of Providence and the preservation and technical skills needed to care for the thousands of wooden windows across the state. The blended curriculum offers ample hands-on experience, in addition to historic preservation 101 courses, and real-world study alongside veteran restoration professionals. PPS assists with job placement following successful completion of the training program, and students will receive a program certificate and a completion bonus. The training will run for 5 weeks and two days beginning April 15 and ending May 21, 2021. Click here for the application.

Each student will receive:

Intensive Hands-on Training

Students will learn sash removal, safe paint & glass removal, epoxy wood repair, glazing putty application, weather stripping & sash installation. Participants will know, from beginning to end, how to completely restore a double-hung wooden window. They will also learn construction of combination wooden screen/storm windows and an introduction to hardware for energy efficiency and ease of operation.

Historic Preservation Education

Participants will be taught basics of historic preservation, historic preservation vocabulary, window and wood nomenclature, Preservation Briefs related to windows, and an overview of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Lead-Safe Certification and OSHA-10 Certification

Training on safe practices related to handling and working with lead-based paints, important EPA certifications, and instruction materials. Additional training on common safety and health hazards on the job.

Specialized Tools

Each student receives and keeps a set of hand tools specialized for wood window restoration. With these tools and other basic carpentry tools, the trainees will be in a position to immediately begin working in this specialty.

Training on Weatherization and Sustainable Benefits

The students will be instructed on specific techniques to improve the efficiency of older windows. 

Job Readiness & Business Guidance

Each class will receive detailed guidance on the business side of the window restoration business and other wrap-around skills for success in the industry. This guidance will be presented by professionals in the field, and students will receive one-on-one mentoring. 

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• Have a strong interest in pursuing hands-on preservation work as a vocation.
• Possess appropriate fine motor skill abilities and ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Possess appropriate comprehension, verbal, written, and math skills to complete requirements of the class, equivalent to a 7th Grade proficiency level.
• Possess an appropriate temperament to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a small group.
• Agree to follow all safety instructions and use all available safety and personal protective equipment as instructed.
• Sign a liability and model release form. Photos and video from the training may be used to promote preservation trades training both within Rhode Island and elsewhere.
• Commit to the full five-week course (April 15-May 21, 2021) and be at the designated training site approx. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
• Be 18 years old and a resident of Rhode Island.
• Have reliable transportation to and from the designated training site(s) for the duration of the class.
• Wear appropriate work clothing and personal protective equipment (mask, long sleeve shirt, long pants, close-toed shoes & head covering).

The Program will provide:

• All necessary tools – trainees may bring their own tools but they must be clearly marked.
• Personal Protection Equipment as needed.
• Lead Safe Work Practices training sufficient to qualify the trainee for EPA/RRP certification under the current EPA rules.
• Instruction in the business, marketing, and entrepreneurial aspects of preservation trades.
• English language support and case management as needed
• A weekly stipend equivalent to $14.00 per hour.
• RIPTA bus pass for the duration of the program if needed
• Light breakfast and lunch.

Download the application (and email to kmullen@ppsri.org) or complete it via Google forms. Completed applications are due by March 15, 2021.

About the Providence Preservation Society

Founded in 1956, The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) works to improve Providence by advocating for historic preservation and the enhancement of the city’s unique character through thoughtful design and planning. PPS is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected preservation organizations and is supported, in part, by 500 local and regional members. Over its more than 60 years, PPS has accomplished its mission through education and advocacy, and has established itself as a leader in citywide planning and preservation.

About Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island works to empower refugees and immigrants in the community by providing vital programs and services for legal aid and representation for citizenship and immigration, refugee resettlement, education, and more to help the people it serves to thrive and be successful. Through its Employment Services department, DORCAS connects refugees, asylees, immigrants, and other jobseekers to job opportunities while assisting them to reach their long-term career goals through comprehensive career planning and skills training.

About Heritage Restoration Inc.

Robert Cagnetta began Heritage Restoration, Inc. in 2001 as a broad range construction and restoration service company — from general contracting, building maintenance, window restoration, to fine craftsmanship — all dedicated to preserving and enhancing a building’s beauty, function, efficiency, and charm. Heritage Restoration has been in the Rhode Island window fabrication, repair, and restoration business for over 25 years, and continues to revitalize historic windows throughout New England.

About the Providence Revolving Fund

The Providence Revolving Fund is a community-based, non-profit, development and lending corporation which was established in 1980. The Revolving Fund’s resources are targeted to specific historic neighborhoods and primarily serve low-to-moderate income families residing in the Broadway-Armory, South Elmwood, North Elmwood and Upper South Providence historic districts and property owners and merchants in the Downtown Providence National Register District. 

About Red House Custom Building

Red House is an award-winning custom design-build remodeling and construction firm specializing in custom-built home additions and full-house renovations. By combining old-world craftsmanship with 21st-century principles of sustainability and livability, Red House designs and builds bespoke projects that represent the highest level of quality, beauty, and efficiency in the field.

About Rhode Island Builders Association 

The Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA), founded in 1945 as a not-for-profit organization, is one of the nation’s largest local trade associations dedicated to serving the housing industry. The Association has nearly 1,000 member companies in Rhode Island and is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders.