Safety first is a high priority at GRID installations and throughout the organization. Neil Warren serves as Construction Field and Safety Manager here at GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE). Neil started with GRID eight years ago as a Construction Assistant. He first learned about GRID when he was taking a PV course at MiraCosta College. He was trying to find a job in the industry with no luck, until he stumbled across GRID under the resources section of his textbook. He contacted GRID’s Los Angeles office, attended a volunteer orientation and started signing up for jobs. Neil knew he needed the hands-on training in order to land a job and there was a waiting list for volunteers. When the Inland Empire Branch opened in 2011, he was able to participate in the IE office’s second installation. He continued to volunteer for a few months, but was still struggling to find employment until eventually being interviewed for the Construction Assistant position.
“When I first started with GRID I didn’t have any office skills, but overtime developed them as well as computer training. We were working out of former Executive Director Bambi Tran’s garage at the time until we finally secured an office,” said Neil. He developed a rhythm of organizing materials in the warehouse and eventually organized the entire hardware inventory. From there, construction started building GRID IE’s inventory and filling up pallets for installs.
His hard work and determination paid off, and he was promoted to Warehouse Manager. “I developed an interest in the safety aspect and expressed interest in developing the safety program for GRID IE,” explained Neil. As it started becoming more relevant, the need for Neil’s passion and knowledge in safety became valuable. He later was able to hire someone to assist with his warehouse duties, and made the transition to become a Solar Installation Supervisor (SIS) relinquishing his warehouse duties. His position evolved into the role of Safety and Field Manager because of his passion for safety.
Neil say’s his day typically starts at 5 a.m. with a construction crew huddle where he gets feedback from the team. He looks at service calls, safety issues and oversees any issues with products and equipment. About 60% of his time is spent in-house and 40% out in the field. “I feel that my visibility in the field is important to keep safety in the front of workers’ minds. There is no immediate gratification to safety, because the payoff is that you get to go home to your family having had a safe workday. I try to model a superior safety program. I believe in setting a good example,” said Neil.
Neil has already completed OSHA 510, which is the prerequisite for OSHA-500 training course. Once he passes the exam, he will be equipped to train and certify other job trainees. He is awaiting on his approval from the OSHA Training Institute. He appreciates everyone at GRID who blazed a path before him and helped him through his journey at GRID.
If you would like to develop hands-on training to equip you for a promising career in the solar industry like Neil, visit gridalternatives.org/get-training.