Edison High School has partnered with GRID Alternatives for over seven years in our Solar Futures program. At GRID Alternatives Central Valley, we work with over 30 different high schools to serve our local communities. Over the past year we've piloted “in-class” solar programs, and just launched our first 20-Hour Solar Intensive Training program with Edison’s Green Academy.
The 20-Hour Solar Intensive Training was designed as a week-long classroom training where students gain hands-on solar installation skills. Students get a chance to learn how to use tools to build mock solar arrays and wire mock electrical panels. At the end of the week, the students took an Installation Basics Safety test and were awarded with a safety certificate for Electrical and Array work. “The part of training I enjoyed the most was the hands on activities like conduit bending, laying down the solar panels, and putting together the main service panel," reflected participant Mariah Zaragoza.
“I see myself using this training every day when I work for a solar company,” said Diego Cortez. “This training will help me have an idea what’s going on at jobsites and have a better future with jobs.”
GRID Alternatives looks forward to continually providing this learning experience for students in Edison High School’s Green Academy. Check out ABC30's coverage of the training program!