Terra Tech Corp (TRTC) subsidiary Edible Garden, a leader in sustainably grown local herbs, has announced the Edible Garden Greenhouse Abilities Training Program. In partnership with Abilities of Northwest Jersey, this new program is focused on providing individuals with mental or physical disabilities the opportunity to gain experience and self-confidence working in the greenhouse industry.
The Edible Garden team worked closely with the Abilities staff for over two months to design and implement this 4-week, rotating training program. The goal of the program is to teach participants the importance of food safety, how to effectively mitigate and understand the sources of food contamination, to function as part of a team, and gain self-confidence and real-world experience that affords them the ability to gain future employment within the greenhouse industry.
Participants begin their off-site training at Abilities' Washington, NJ facility familiarizing themselves with the various product lines and packaging that they will be working with on-site at Edible Garden's Belvidere, NJ facility. Once on-site in Belvidere, participants go through the same food safety and general employee training as any new hire, with additional coaching from Abilities' many talented Job Coaches. Finally, participants begin working independently in the packing facility alongside the Edible Garden Team.
At the conclusion of the 4-week rotating training program each class will receive an Edible Garden Certificate of Completion and a personal letter from Edible Garden's Program Coordinator and Director of Quality Systems, Joseph Chiappetta. Additionally, participants will have an opportunity to submit their application for employment to Edible Garden, as the company is looking to expand its current work force by the end of 2014. Edible Garden and Abilities look forward to a long and growing relationship as well as possible expansion of the program throughout Edible Garden's national network of cooperative growers.
"This is the spirit of buying local. It's local consumers supporting local businesses that in turn support local jobs and programs. We are so pleased to be part of this program and are thankful that we can help make a difference in our local community," explains Derek Peterson CEO of Terra Tech.
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
