For individuals seeking employment, job prospects may appear slim, especially if you live on the Bishop Paiute Reservation in Bishop, California. Joseph Lent felt the pressure of finding stable employment in the highly competitive construction field, working on short-term projects such as pouring concrete. Despite searching non-stop for steady work, Joseph continually heard the same comments from prospective employers. “When I applied for jobs, they would tell me I lacked the experience and certifications to get the job,” Lent said.
Joseph never really considered a solar installation career. However, through the Reservation’s TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) office, Joseph learned about GRID Alternatives. “I was very unsure about GRID at first. I watched their video, which sparked my interest, but I didn’t know if there was much demand for solar.” Joseph continued, “I was really looking for a career and after speaking with GRID’s workforce development team, I recognized the true potential of installing solar systems.”
At the time, GRID’s Inland Empire office was recruiting volunteers to install solar systems on Tribal land and Lent’s persistence paid off. “I really pushed to get on a volunteer team,” Joseph declared. “GRID was installing a good number of panels and I could see how solar could open my job opportunities.”
The job training process for Lent was informal yet instructive throughout the five installations he completed. “GRID’s construction team had all the answers,” Joseph said. “I was impressed with their commitment to safety. Before volunteering I took safety for granted and never really appreciated the importance of being safe, especially around electricity.”
Joseph’s hard work and commitment to learning everything he could from GRID’s construction team eventually paid off. He landed a job with a local solar contractor and is ecstatic with his career choice. “Solar kind of chose me,” Joseph affirmed. “Now I have no problem explaining solar systems to anyone who asks. People are really interested, especially when I start talking about money they could save on electric bills.”
Looking back on the decisions he made prior to being employed as a solar installer, Joseph has a few words of advice for those who want to pursue a career in solar. “GRID Alternatives is an excellent resource for training. “If I could change one thing, I would have kept in closer contact with GRID and looked for more out-of-town experience,” he said. “Even now I would strongly consider doing more volunteer work for GRID because there is always room to learn more.”
Is your career stalled doing short-term jobs like Joseph? Take his advice and be part of an industry that is growing at over 20% each year. In California, there is new emphasis on renewable energy, greenhouse gas reductions and a growing desire among consumers to use locally controlled energy. Take the initiative today and visit GRID’s volunteer portal. If you are dedicated and willing to learn, you too can follow Joseph’s example and be on your way to a successful career in the solar industry.