Since 1987, the federal National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Education and Training Program (NIEHS WETP) has provided an effective, accountable structure for training workers who handle hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or respond to emergencies involving these materials. Many of the more than 2 million workers trained since the program began have been associated with the cleanup of this country's hazardous waste or Superfund sites. Many are also involved in the cleanup of the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons sites. Such work has long been recognized as protecting the environment and the health of surrounding communities. In today's terminology, these are "green" jobs. Proper training assures that green jobs are safe jobs.

The structure administered and funded by NIEHS WETP consists of a national network of non-profit training organizations with proven access to training audiences. Organized into 19 consortia that include universities, community colleges, and the training arms of national labor unions, these organizations provide safety and health and skill-based training in every state, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific territories. The organizations are held accountable, through published criteria and required evaluations, for providing the best possible training, utilizing skilled professional and peer trainers, up-to-date curricula, and high quality training centers and equipment.