(Oakland, CA) - GRID Alternatives is pleased to announce that its Installation Basics Training (IBT) 200 Program, a five-week, hands-on development course for entry-level solar installers, is now officially recognized by the State of California as a Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) registered pre-apprenticeship program. This milestone marks a significant step towards GRID’s mission of equitable pathways into the renewable energy industry, and better equips the organization to serve trainees and communities in the state of California.
GRID Alternatives North Valley, one of eight GRID Alternatives affiliate locations, led the application efforts that earned the organization this distinction, and became the first of all GRID affiliates to establish a formal association with their local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). This partnership sparked GRID’s eligibility for pre-apprenticeship status, as a formal association with a DAS registered apprenticeship program sponsor is a requirement for pre-apprenticeship status, and is an intentional step towards GRID Alternatives’ goal of creating more pathways into union careers for trainees.
“This pre-apprenticeship partnership with IBEW Local 340 represents a significant step towards helping our Installation Basics Training 200 graduates maintain momentum they’ve built during our program,” says Seth Yund, the Workforce Programs Manager at GRID North Valley, “We’re thrilled our graduates can direct that momentum towards a career path that provides financial stability, job security, and work they will find meaningful and fulfilling.”
New Pathways for Trainees
DAS pre-apprenticeship status offers a number of distinct benefits for both GRID and IBT 200 program graduates, like California Pre-Apprenticeship Certificates that enhance the competitiveness of applications for registered apprenticeships and increase employability for industry roles. Program trainees will also gain access to:
- Priority consideration for apprenticeship programs
- Application support and mentorship
- Exposure to apprenticeship opportunities
- Access to support services
When asked about the benefits of pre-apprenticeship certification for workforce training graduates, Chris Tillery, the Training Director for the Sacramento Area Electrical Training Center, noted that “pre-apprenticeship certification gives workforce training graduates a stronger, faster, and more reliable path into union careers by validating their skills, boosting employability, and aligning them with the expectations of the skilled trades.”
A Step Forward for GRID and Equity in Workforce Development
This recognition has boosted GRID Alternatives’ visibility amongst employers, unions, workforce partners, and funders. Not only is GRID Alternatives now positioned to qualify for grants aimed at the expansion of access to construction careers for women and underrepresented communities, the organization now meets the baseline criteria to qualify for the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), which, with successful application and approval, can open doors for additional funding through local and state workforce boards.
In the meantime, GRID Alternatives will continue to provide credentialed workforce development programs that serve as entry points into registered apprenticeship programs and industry careers.
Learn more about the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards at Division of Apprenticeship Standards - Home Page
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is an international, U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. GRID works in the U.S., Mexico, Nepal, and Nicaragua and has installed solar photovoltaic systems on more than 29,500 homes and affordable housing developments in underserved communities while providing more than 33,200 individuals with workforce development training. GRID also provides clean mobility solutions and battery storage and is a leading voice in low-income solar policy development in the U.S. Installation Basics Training (IBT), a competency-based certificate program designed to develop the skills most relevant to entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction employment fields. Trainees learn solar installation skills, OSHA 10 safety standards, first aid and CPR, and soft skills, including interpersonal communication and dependability, to help job trainees obtain and sustain employment.
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Norton
Media Relations Coordinator
enorton@gridalternatives.org