By the age of 16, Miguel Rodarte was already well on his way to pursuing his dream of a career in the solar industry. He began his journey as a GRID ground crew volunteer and ultimately amassed an incredible 700 volunteer hours before landing a position as a construction intern at GRID IE. “My experience with GRID has been very enlightening,” he said, “I started off as a volunteer in GRID’s LA office and later transferred to the Inland Empire.”
Miguel is following in the footsteps of his dad, Victor, who also started his solar career as a GRID volunteer. Victor transitioned from a design intern to a design assistant last year. He now works side by side with his son Miguel whenever possible.
Miguel attended Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona and explained that he had taken a class in solar as an elective. He credits his high school class as a basis for his understanding of photovoltaics (PV) before starting at GRID. He was the only one in his class that showed a serious interest in pursuing solar as a career. That was the kickoff to his solar training, as well as his dad’s encouragement.
GRID’s vision of a transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone is a concept Miguel agrees wholeheartedly. “The solar industry is a good career choice, but GRID really is quite different than other solar contractors,” he said. “GRID is unique because we give low income families clean energy. Solar is the future.”
Over the last several years, the solar economy has expanded 15-20% and now represents one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. economy. To learn how you can obtain hands-on training through GRID’s construction internship, visit get training on the GRID website. Our intern program provides the necessary skillset to prepare motivated individuals for a rewarding career in the booming solar industry. Take a few minutes and find out more about internship programs available within the Inland Empire. There are also non-construction internships periodically available.
GRID IE Turns Aspiring Solar Professional into Reality
