Hello GRID volunteers and supporters!
I’d like to introduce myself to our community. You may recognize me from one of our community solar farms or a rooftop installation. I began my career with GRID back in 2016 as a SolarCorps Construction Fellow, through the national SolarCorps Fellowship program, a one-year, paid term of service to the community in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps). In April, I rejoined the Colorado Team as the new Workforce & Volunteer Program Manager and am excited to get to know our volunteers and trainees.
I’ve dedicated my professional life to solar energy. Prior to GRID, I worked in residential project development and sales, and I hold two professional NABCEP certifications. From first-hand experience, I know how important it is for job seekers to have access to training, professional certifications, and networking, in order to get ahead in the industry.
I believe our job training shouldn’t only include how to safely and correctly build solar systems, but also the theory and science behind how solar works. Here at GRID CO, we are striving to fill a critical need in the local industry ecosystem by engaging chronically un and under-employed individuals from vulnerable communities to develop a knowledgeable and skilled solar workforce. In our experience, the more time trainees spend with GRID, the higher rate of successful job placement.
To achieve GRID’s mission to make job training accessible to underserved communities, we developed the Solar Training Academy (STA) in 2017. The STA is a 2-week “solar bootcamp” available to low-income qualified individuals. Upon program completion, GRID CO hires several paid interns for a 3-month assignment and provides career counseling services to graduates to help get their foot in the door in one of the nation’s fastest growing fields. By focusing on paid training opportunities and measurable job placement, GRID CO is shifting its focus to make deeper impacts on the individuals that need it most.
While our primary focus will be on developing the solar workforce of the future through the Solar Training Academy, there will still be opportunities to participate at GRID as a valued volunteer. Our volunteers are an asset to our program and our vision wouldn’t be possible without your help. Opportunities to get involved include large workdays, Solarthon, Women’s Build, and our monthly Solar Saturday workshop series.
Please reach out if you or someone you know would like help getting into the solar industry!
Brittany