It’s never too late to make a change – just ask William Cobb. Back in 2013, William was a regular volunteer on the job site. While he loved the hands-on work and racked up several installations under his belt, he decided not to pursue an industry position. “At the time, it wasn’t financially feasible for me to start a new career from the ground up,” he shared. Fast forward a few years later, and William is now a Site Technician for a local solar contractor.
William’s experience in the trades first began when he took an introductory electrical class while he serving in the Air Force. “Ten years ago, I was thankful to obtain the knowledge and have some certificates, but I never had the chance to apply the theory,” he explained. After his discharge, William explored opportunities in education, mental health, and law, but was unable to find the right fit. GRID’s job training program was a hidden gem, combining technical skills with volunteering. “It was like two birds with one stone,” he expressed.
In November 2015, William returned to GRID when he heard about the Troops to Solar event in Moreno Valley. After a two-year hiatus, laying down racking for the system reignited his desire to work in the solar industry. “It was a pleasant surprise to see how much solar had grown,” he commented. “The world is changing very quickly. Solar is inherently decentralized power that will challenge old patterns and ways of doing things. I wanted to be a part of that change.”
During the summer, William was able to jump back in full force, attending projects and workshops across the Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles regions. “I sincerely enjoy volunteering,” he shared. “The supervisors are patient and willing to pause what they’re doing to educate. It’s clear teaching is a priority, and I’m glad GRID’s dual purpose of serving homeowners as well as job trainees continues to this day.”
By July 2015 William’s time with GRID landed him a position in the solar industry. As a Site Technician, he is responsible for the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring systems. “I’m thankful GRID introduced me to a career I can immerse myself in,” he said. William is now attending college level classes with a long-term goal of obtaining his C-10/C-46 journeyman electrician certification. Ultimately he is working towards securing his contractor’s license so he can launch his own business.
Are you a veteran or someone looking for a new career with enormous potential for growth? Find your niche with GRID in a cutting-edge, expanding industry. Get connected with our Workforce Development team to learn more about our Troops To Solar and job training programs by calling 951.471.7043 or emailing volunteerie@gridalternatives.org.