When Jose Calderon first learned about solar energy, he never imagined that he would actually be installing it one day. But after taking classes through Los Angeles Trade Technical College and volunteering over 400 hours with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA), he earned a full-time solar installation position with LA Solar Group. Thanks to a lot of hard work, and some helpful connections he made at GRID GLA’s career fair earlier this year, Jose is now well on his way to a successful solar career.
On April 27, more than 16 renewable energy and sustainability companies assembled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, eager to fill their ranks with qualified and passionate individuals. Over the course of the day, more than 200 resumes would be collected, with the event drawing well over that number of people looking to network, probe LA's hiring landscape, and have their questions answered.
After walking the floor and connecting with a number of hiring companies, Jose landed at the LA Solar Group table, where he exchanged his resume for business cards and made arrangements for an interview. Weeks later, he would receive an official job offer.
“GRID Alternatives helped me with actual physical aspects of solar: getting on the roof under the supervision of an installation lead, being part of a crew on the floor, and learning the proper way to work safely. All of it ended up being helpful for meeting companies; once you mentioned GRID’s name, a whole lot of companies recognize the organization.”
Successes like Jose’s were replicated all across GRIDland this year--from Colorado to California. In early April, GRID Colorado partnered with Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association and Solar Energy International to present the first-ever Solar Ready Colorado Solar Career Expo. In May, GRID San Diego hosted a job fair at the California Solar Power Expo in partnership with SEIA. And on July 16, GRID Bay Area teamed up with the Solar Training Network to host its annual Summer Job Fair in conjunction with Intersolar North America, drawing over 175 attendees eager to connect with employers from across the region.
“It's so exciting to see people who come out and train with us on install after install go out and turn that experience into a real career. Job fairs have been a great way for us to make that connection.” said Adewale OgunBadejo, Workforce Development Manager with GRID GLA.
With the solar industry growing 20% year over year, there’s opportunity for everyone, and we’re excited to facilitate career connections for solar trainees and job seekers across the country. Stay tuned to to learn more about upcoming GRID job fairs near you!