California Community Colleges are Taking the Lead
As the demand for alternative energy jobs rises, California Community Colleges are taking the lead in producing certified workers and graduates trained in solar, wind and alternative fuels.
Programs are developed in regions of the state based on demand. For example, the Bay Area has high concentrations of energy efficiency jobs, while Kern and Riverside Counties are seeing large concentrations of wind generators. The gas and electric vehicle markets, hybrid and biodiesel production and distribution facilities vary like this, too.
116 wind projects are located in 9 counties in the San Francisco Bay, Inland Empire, and San Diego/Imperial Regions- 93 large solar projects are located in 18 counties in the San Diego/Imperial, Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Regions
- 41 geothermal projects are located in 6 counties, two of which are located in the San Diego/Imperial Region
54 biogas projects are located in 19 counties covered by the San Diego/Imperial, Los Angeles/Orange, San Francisco Bay, and Inland Empire/Desert Regions- 44 biomass projects are located in 24 counties cutting across the state
Most of California’s 114 community colleges offer alternative energy classes. Courses may include photovoltaic panel installation and repair, green construction practices, and wind technology courses leading to well-paying careers in these fields.
Partnerships and Customized Training
The ATL Sector helps create pipelines between community colleges and businesses to ensure there are jobs waiting at the end of a student’s certification period or degree path. Its partnerships with businesses help ensure the curriculum stays current. ATL also works with colleges to offer customized training to businesses looking to upskill their current workforce in this continuously evolving economic sector.
