GRID IE job trainee Fernando Garcia was taking a course at Kaplan University when he found out about building marketable solar installation experience at GRID. He started volunteering with the GRID LA office and later transferred to the Inland Empire office.
Fernando worked in the financial services industry for 15 years developing group retirement plans for school districts. His career path took a different direction from showing people how to invest financially, to showing his clients how solar is a lifelong investment for the family that yields great dividends. “If we can change our energy infrastructure, we can change our environment and the world,” said Fernando.
GRID’s Workforce team provides essential skills necessary for success in solar industry through free hands-on job training. After accumulating over 100 hours of learning the basics of system design and installation, Fernando made a life-changing decision to leave the financial industry. He saw an opportunity to launch his own company, using his business relationships to target a specific niche, focusing his marketing efforts on school employees. “Once I established some hands-on training, I set out to tap into the circle of influence I established over the years. I promoted my business to homeowners who work in the field of education,” he said. His company now serves as a subcontractor to a number of local solar companies. Fernando credits the real-world experience he gained with GRID as helping him build the knowledge base essential to servicing his clientele.
When asked about some of the challenges he faces as a business owner in the solar industry, Fernando shared providing accurate industry information in a highly competitive market can be somewhat arduous. Additionally, advances in technology provides Fernando an opportunity to educate his clients about an ever-evolving industry in an effort to satisfy client needs.
Fernando routinely encourages people to embark upon a solar career. “If you are looking for hands-on experience, GRID is a great place to gain valuable training.” He also advises people who are interested in solar careers to learn all aspects of the industry including marketing, design and installation. While training at GRID, Fernando had an opportunity to install a solar system at his girlfriend’s parents home. He gladly shares with everyone how GRID has been instrumental in helping his loved ones get solar, as well as equipping him with the knowledge and training that guided his successful solar career.
If you would like information about solar training please call 951.471-7043.
GRID Volunteer Follows a Path to Entrepreneurship
