Preference given to qualified local applicants on McCoy Project near Blythe
BLYTHE, Calif. – Nearly three hundred people gathered at Palo Verde College Nov. 20 to learn about the upcoming job opportunities at the McCoy SolarEnergy Project near the Blythe Airport.
BLYTHE, Calif. – Nearly three hundred people gathered at Palo Verde College Nov. 20 to learn about the upcoming job opportunities at the McCoy Solar Energy Project near the Blythe Airport.
First Solar’s construction manager and the hiring company, CLP gave an overview and answered questions. Riverside County Workforce Development was also there to support the effort.
“We’re glad to be out in the community to inform people interested in working in the solar industry about career opportunities,” said Rick Backus, First Solar construction manager. “We will need qualified local workers to help build this clean energy project.”
The McCoy project will have an average of about 340 workers throughout construction and about 600 during peak construction. Construction began on the McCoy project earlier this year and the 270-megawatt unit is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2016.
First Solar is building the first 270 megawatts of the proposed up-to 750-megawatt McCoy project, which is owned by NextEra Energy Resources, the owner of the Genesis Solar Energy Plant and managing owner of the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm. This first portion of the McCoy project will use First Solar modules and tracker technology.
“We have longstanding partnerships with First Solar and NextEra Energy Resources and we’re glad that Palo Verde College graduates and the local community can hear first hand about the continued employment opportunities,” said Larry McLaughlin, Regional Director of Advanced Transportation & Renewable Energy for Inland Empire/Desert Region Community Colleges. “People are excited to go to work in an industry with such a bright future.”
Palo Verde College and College of the Desert in the Coachella Valley both benefit from assistance and contributions from leading companies like First Solar and NextEra Energy Resources when developing the curriculum, holding classes and doing hands-on training.
For information about McCoy jobs, visit CLP.com/SolarJobs or reach out to the IBEW 440, Ironworkers 433 or LiUNA! 1184 for apprenticeship information. To learn more about the solar training programs offered at Palo Verde College call Mike Rhoades at 760-921-5563.
