Growing up in Los Angeles, Alejandro De Leon developed a passion for renewable energy after learning about the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels. Eager to be a part of the solution for his community, Alejandro decided to pursue a career in renewable energy. He enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where one of his professors encouraged him to gain hands-on experience by volunteering with GRID Alternatives and continuing his solar education in our "classroom on the roof."
After volunteering for several months with GRID’s Greater Los Angeles (GLA) office and earning his Team Leader certification, Alejandro attended the GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles Solar Industry Job Fair. At the job fair, Alejandro was able to secure a canvassing position with SunRun, a leading residential solar installer, thanks to his education and hands-on job experience.
Wells Fargo has supported GRID’s Workforce Development efforts for the last 5 years, and donated $125,000 this year alone to help us expand the program throughout the state, including efforts such as the job fair that launched Alejandro’s career in the solar industry. Through their generous support, GRID continues to provide valuable resources such as hands-on solar training, job fairs and a new solar jobs guidebook, to those seeking access to the solar industry.
Our “Solar Jobs Guidebook,” which debuted at the GLA Job Fair, serves as a roadmap for those entering the solar industry in Southern California. The guidebook outlines the skills and experience needed to advance in a variety of solar career pathways, which will help job seekers like Alejandro succeed.
Thanks to Wells Fargo’s continued support of workforce development efforts such as these, GRID Alternatives is able to make hands-on training and resources available to those eager to pursue careers in California’s solar industry.