On Thursday March 27th, GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles and the newly formed Workforce Development Committee (WDC) met for the first time to take on workforce development. Leaders from the industry and academia, along with former GRID volunteers who are currently employed in the solar industry, gathered to discuss strategies to assist volunteers and job trainees as they step into the solar workforce. The WDC will be key in strengthening and supporting GLA’s workforce development efforts.
Among lively conversation, the committee emphasized the value of being on the roof. While construction jobs are not the only accessible positions in solar, getting out on the roof gives volunteers and job trainees a different perspective and understanding about solar; something recruiters value as they look to fill many positions in design, permitting, sales, and canvassing. Professor Stuart Coley from Santa Monica College emphasizes, “Solar is not just about construction, but understanding the installation process will make you a more desirable candidate.”
The WDC hopes to bring to fruition many of the ideas discussed, such as hosting a job fair within the next few months and creating a resume bank for job seekers and employers. An HR recruiter in the committee says she has successfully recruited candidates directly from the roof, thus GLA will be inviting more recruiters to attend installations. Stay tuned for what the WDC will bring, but for now if you’re looking to jump into the solar industry, the roof is the place to be!