Workforce Development

Two men on a roof, smiling and installing solar.
GRID Alternatives connects job seekers to family-sustaining careers and entrepreneurship opportunities. We ensure the renewable energy industry models a diverse workforce.

GRID's Training Philosophy 

Hands-on solar installation experience is at the heart of GRID’s training philosophy. Our goal is to connect people that need good careers with an industry that needs good people.

We champion equity in the renewable energy industry to make it a place where everyone belongs. GRID is committed to making our job training opportunities accessible and inclusive of groups that have historically been excluded from the benefits of clean energy, including, but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and nonbinary people,  people with disabilities, youth, LGBTQ+ and those impacted by the criminal justice system. We also prioritize recruitment from mission-aligned partners, including community-based organizations, job training organizations, Tribal Nations, and educational institutions.

We have several programs and initiatives to provide training and connect employers to job seekers.

Installation Training Programs

IBT is a multi-week program that develops the skills needed for entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction pathways. IBT focuses on skills-based assessments, providing trainees with valuable hands-on training and access to potential employment opportunities.

SolarCorps Fellowships

This program provides a career pipeline for individuals into the growing clean energy industry through an 11-month apprenticeship model. Fellows receive meaningful, hands-on work experience and long-term training in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund strives to provide renewable energy experiential learning and community centered  opportunities for tribal members. Through TSAF Leadership Programs we offer funding, mentoring, and education on tribal renewable energy planning, policy, entrepreneurship, and other areas of technical support.

Contact us to find out how you can support our work, workforcedevelopment@gridalternatives.org, (510) 739-7137