Limitless Vistas, Inc. (LVI) is a workforce training and development partnership program designed to train at-risk, disconnected inner- city youth between the ages of 17-25 to perform entry level work as Environmental Field Technicians. LVI is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization sponsored by Barnes, Ferland Associates, Inc (BFA Environmental).

The goal of the program trains students over a 12-week period -three times a year. LVI training program includes the following components, however depending on the needs of the region served by this program and the capabilities of our students, some components may be more emphasized than others.

• Week 1: Ethics in the Workplace
• Week 2-3: Engineering, Science and Technical Background
• Week 4: Federal, State and Local Environmental Rules and Regulations
• Week 5: Asbestos and Mold Inspection
• Week 6: Debris Removal Quality Assurance Monitoring
• Week 7: Construction Safety
• Week 8: Environmental Site Assessments
• Week 9: Industrial Compliance Audits
• Week 10: Environmental Field Equipment/ Use of Computers
• Week 11: OSHA 40 Hr Hazardous Material Management Training
• Week 12: Working in Teams, Practical Exams and Team Projects

Through a grant from BFA and in partnership with BFA, LVI completed its second cycle of training. In January 2007 a total of 15 students enrolled in the program of which 10 students successfully completed the course work. Of the 10 students, six (6) secured jobs with environmental companies, two (2) work in the home improvement industry, and one (1) obtained a joc as a laborer in the New Orleans area.  One decided to pursue enrollment in a local technical college. All jobs pay wages between $12 and $17 an hour.

These students all received the following certifications during their training 30-hour OSHA construction, 40-hour hazardous waste operator, 24- hour microbial remediation, and 32- hour asbestos abatement inspection.

In the Summer 2007, LVI trained 15 students in an abbreviated session that focused on: Ethics in the work place, Field sampling, OSHA construction/hazardous waste operations, and Phase I and II assessments.

The environmental industry as a whole is a very mature and a productive direct employer at every phase of the training and education. Government entities, Fortune 500 firms, private sector firms, as well as, smaller consultant firms all have a real need for entry level trainees with an environmental background.

Therefore, LVI in association with BFA has placed considerable effort in forming partnerships with environmental, petroleum, Fortune 500 and emergency response companies to ensure job placement and tenure for our graduates. LVI is creating stronger relationships with employers, businesses, schools, and counselors to address the barriers that could hinder a trainee from successfully becoming employed and/or maintaining employment.

The Environmental Technician Training Program is designed to give disconnected youth the foundation they need to work at an entry level in the broader environmental or related industry giving them “limitless” possibilities.

We feel that this program is very timely given the current state of focus on the earth’s environmental affairs.