Job Training

Thirty-one homes in the Morgan Community Miles of Baltimore, Maryland, are receiving the benefits of solar power thanks to a partnership between the City of Baltimore, the US Department of Energy, Civic Works, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic,. Baltimore Energy Challenge, and Morgan State University.
After six weeks of solar training, the inaugural Solar Works DC cohort graduated in August. Solar Works DC is a low-income solar installation and job-training program spearheaded by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES). GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is implementing the first year of the program, preparing District residents to enter careers in solar and related fields while reducing energy costs for qualified low-income District homeowners.
Renewable energy created jobs nearly 17 times faster than the rest of the economy in 2016, yet a common argument against the industry is that it costs traditional energy jobs, harming more workers and families than it benefits. A new initiative in Washington is aiming to put this myth to rest by showing that renewable energy not only creates jobs, but also improves society as a whole.
Turnage and Garner were two of five trainees who recently installed solar panels at the Woodland home of retiree Catherine Bennett, 78. “I knew I needed a little help” with the electricity bill, said Bennett, who has lived in the house in Southeast Washington for 41 years. “This may help me some.” Decked out in green hard hats, yellow T-shirts, and harnesses, the trainees were supervised by members of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, the regional branch of a national nonprofit group that helps implement solar power for low- to moderate-income families free.
“The solar panels are getting a workout right now,” exclaimed DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, referencing the abundant sunshine on Monday morning, as Solar Works DC job trainees gathered behind the Mayor in their gold shirts for the official Solar Works DC kick-off event.