“I dedicated myself and saw the whole thing through,” shared Whitney N., a graduate from GRID IE’s fourth cohort of IBT 200.
In June 2025, ten trainees completed their full-time, 5-week IBT 200 course, which covers the complete installation of photovoltaic solar systems in the classroom with GRID IE’s experienced trainers, and on the roof with GRID IE's professional Construction Team.
Since the launch of GRID IE's Clean Tech Training Center (CTTC) in 2022, our Workforce Team has redefined how the Inland Empire is included in a growing, clean energy economy that benefits all.
IBT 200’s curriculum is created based on the NABCEP PV Installer Specialist Job Task Analysis, an established and recognized certification organization in the renewable energy industry. Upon completing the program, graduates receive a stipend that can be used to fund further career development, such as NABCEP certifications.
IBT 200 students with GRID IE's training staff
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here, this program is in high demand.” said Joshua L., who appreciated the supportive energy of his cohort and the GRID IE team throughout the program.
To highlight their skills and qualifications, the students participated in a Solar Showcase at GRID IE’s Clean Tech Training Center (CTTC), located at GRID IE’s facility in Riverside, CA, where they demonstrated their abilities to potential employers, which included recruiters from Freedom Forever Solar, Leslie and Valary. They attended the event to scope out the talent and emphasized the importance of how training programs like this can shape the industry’s expectations during the hiring process.
Leslie and Valerie from Freedom Forever Solar with GRID IE's Solar Trainer and Junior Installation Supervisor, Jay.
Workforce Coordinator Paola Ramos, led employer engagement efforts to ensure that GRID IE’s trainees were connected with job opportunities. Over recent years, Paola has worked closely with trainees to sharpen their resumes, while also collaborating with Marketing Coordinator Jessica S. to highlight their achievements through GRID IE’s platforms.
After demonstrating a perfect mock roof installation for prospective employers, family members and friends began to arrive for the main event of the day, the graduation ceremony.
“I’m excited,” said Gabriel G., whose wife and two daughters showed up to cheer him on as he received his certificates. “I did it. I thought I wasn’t going to do it, but I did it!” Gabriel shared, reflecting on his success in passing the written test, a challenge that required him to memorize a substantial amount of material from the book. Gabriel added, “At the age of 50 I’ve never understood books; I’m a hands-on person. But here, everything has stuck. The instructors and workplace are accepting and make learning exciting. I’m grateful for GRID.” Thank you Gabriel, for giving IBT 200 your all!
Guests heard speeches from both the GRID IE team and the graduates, who reflected on the cohort’s hard work and growth throughout the program.
Marco speaking at the graduation.
Marco M., a graduate from the very first cohort of IBT 200 in 2023 and who is now completing his 11-month SolarCorps Construction Fellowship with GRID IE, spoke at the graduation, in a the full circle moment of going from a trainee to trainer: “It’s exciting being a part of the training with IBT 200 this year, I have the chance to be the trainer that trained me.” We are all proud of the great job Marco is doing, keep it up!
Whitney, the only woman in her cohort and a mother, congratulated her peers for their hard work and dedication throughout their program. “It's intimidating being a woman in a male-dominated field, but the village around me was great. I feel like I'm at home, and not out of place,”Whitney shared. She is now determined to pursue HVAC training and a contractor's license to work with specialized ADUs and tiny homes. Let’s go Whitney!
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes speaking at the graduation.
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes made a special guest appearance, showing her continued support for GRID IE’s mission and the training programs that uplift community members and the neighborhoods they represent. Most recently, Councilmember Cervantes' engagement has been crucial in advancing GRID IE’s no-cost solar program in Riverside’s Eastside community.
An additional guest, Daniel from the Center for Employment Training (CET), attended the event alongside members of his community to cheer on and celebrate the IBT 200 graduates he helped connect with training and job opportunities. Shout out to the importance of community partnerships!
Circulating through the crowd were Kyle M. and Rom P., AHEAD Workforce Development Interns at GRID IE, who played a key role in capturing photos of the Showcase and Graduation. Originally participants in GRID IE’s Solar Futures program at Sherman Indian High School, Kyle and Rom took a break from shadowing the construction crew to support the marketing team and expand their photography skills by documenting the big day. Thank you, Kyle and Rom; your work is appreciated and showcased in the photo gallery linked below this story!
While training programs are one of GRID IE’s main priorities, providing trainees with the best resources and tools to secure employment is equally important. We are proud to report that both Ernesto M. and Joshua L. have officially secured employment in the trades. GRID IE celebrates your success as you begin your new careers!
GRID IE IBT 200 Class of June 2025: Elmer, Edwin, Johnny, Cruz, Christopher, Ernesto, Jonathan, Joshua, Whitney, and Rafael.
Edwin A., who recently graduated from high school and is now studying to become an electrician at Norco College, started a construction program this month while also balancing a part-time job. “I’m sad that IBT 200 is over. I got to learn different perspectives and get to know new people,” shared Edwin, who appreciated the diverse age gaps, shared life experiences, and humor in his cohort. Edwin was especially proud of the self-confidence he developed: “From installing rails to adapting to the heat of the job site, I now have the confidence to get the job done. Plus, group communication was always there. When it wasn’t, Danny, our Solar Installation Supervisor, was there to guide us through it.” We’re proud of you, Edwin!
We would also like to thank our supporters who provided critical funding to build the CTTC, increase staff capacity, and support the expenses required to run this IBT 200 cohort! Thank you: U.S. Bank, Citizens Business Bank, Edison International, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Pacific Premier Bank, Honda USA Foundation, and The James Irvine Foundation.
Are you interested in receiving the resumes of our skilled graduates? Contact Paola: at 951-471-7105 or, email pramos@gridalternatives.org
Do you want to know more about IBT 200? Learn who it’s for and the challenges, and sign up!