Program on the Environment

While the transition to a low-carbon economy accelerates demand for green jobs, immigrant and refugee communities face systemic barriers that exclude them from this growing sector. Language alone excludes many qualified candidates—not because they lack skills, but because most employers lack bilingual capacity. The purpose of this study was to examine how a culturally responsive restoration training program influences immigrant and refugee youths’ sense of belonging and work readiness, while identifying the barriers they face in accessing green jobs. I supported the Restoration Training Crew at Partner in Employment (PIE) in SeaTac, facilitated creative activities, compiled a Green Employer Directory of over 50 organizations, collected observational data, and distributed a survey to employers in South King County. Findings show that employers identify language and communication as the greatest barrier facing immigrant and refugee job seekers, followed by transportation access and lack of networks in the field. Moreover, the green sector offers few paid entry-level positions with most accessible roles voluntary, which conflicts with participants’ need for financial stability. Finally, participants sometimes return to culturally responsive programs like PIE because these spaces feel safer and foster belonging, indicating a need for change in how the standard workforce operates. Addressing these barriers requires a systemic response: investing in bilingual capacity and building sustained partnerships between programs like PIE and employers so the transition from training to work is more achievable.