Job Training

New solar array to benefit low income AEC customers
GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, a leader in making clean renewable energy and job training to low income communities, recently broke ground for a 1-megawatt solar electric system on the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation near Anza.

Nonprofit GRID Alternatives Inland Empire and Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians receive $2.05M grant for solar job training
ANZA – GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, an affiliate of GRID Alternatives which makes clean renewable energy technology and job training accessible to communities who need it most, was awarded a $2.05 million grant under the California Department of Community Services and Development Low-income Weatherization Program, Community Solar Pilot Program and recently broke ground on its largest community-scale solar project to date.

Pv Magazine-Solar workforce development can help win independence from systemic racism

Uneven playing field

“Employers do background checks — and no one is hiring an ex-felon. That alone is enough to discourage someone from applying to jobs,” said Wells, who had to start his solar career at temp agencies or “mom and pop” installers because “nine times out of ten they don’t screen — but nine times out of ten they don’t pay either — or you don’t have benefits.”

Wells had to go through temp agencies — “getting hired through the temp agency and working at the same company that denied you — while getting paid $14 per hour instead of $20 per hour.”

Addressing Systemic Racism Through Meaningful Workforce Investments
In light of the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color, and the global call to action to address systemic racism, GRID Greater Los Angeles facilitated a thoughtful dialogue about socio-economic inequalities in LA and solution-based approaches.