SHAMOKIN — As part of a sustainability initiative, Luzerne County Community College, in Shamokin, will be unveiling a new one-year certificate program this week geared to address green-collar workforce needs for the area’s renewable energy market.

The Sustainability Energy Technology program is intended to be closely aligned with Northumberland County’s FUTURES (Fossil Underwriting Technology to Utilize Renewable Energy Sources) initiative, said John Politis, director, Northumberland Regional Center, LCCC.

FUTURES is designed to attract energy companies that specialize in bio-diesel, wind, solar and clean coal to the region.

The school will partner with two- and four-year colleges and businesses to make sure there is a steady supply of talented, technically competent employees entering the workforce, Politis added.

Classes begin in the fall of 2009.

College officials are holding a public information session at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Career & Arts Center Auditorium, 2 E. Arch St.

For additional information, call the LCCC Northumberland Regional Center, 648-2544.