The California Employment Development Department lists thirty-seven individual pieces of legislation related to green jobs, renewable energy, and energy efficiency standards. For example, one-third of the power supplied by California's utilities must come from renewable sources by 2020, driving a need for workers skilled in energy management and auditing.
To address potential skills gaps and meet the needs of employers who are implementing renewable energy programs or conducting energy audits for other businesses, ATTE @ West Valley College recently developed an energy management course. Conducted in partnership with the San Benito County Workforce Investment Boards, Work 2 Future, the NUMMI Reemployment Center, and the San Benito Economic Development Corporation, the 110-hour course builds skills in energy use assessment, resource planning, technical measurement, and data collection, as well as an understanding of project management concepts, efficiency methodologies, and fuel substitution options.
The ATTE offered six classes totaling nearly 100 students. Students enrolled in the energy management class were also allowed to enroll in other ATTE classes at no cost to them. Several dozen students took additional coursework in LEED, Google Sketch-up for Solar, Solar Site Planner, and OSHA 10.
"As more companies adopt renewable energy programs and utilities look for ways to help businesses and consumers reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, the need for these skills will increase," said ATTE @ West Valley College Director David Esmaili. "Graduates of the program are ready to meet the needs of California employers as renewable energy programs are funded and implemented across the state."
After the classes ended, ATTE sponsored a job fair for the energy management students, connecting them with employers such as PG&E, Orchard Supply, and small energy management and solar companies. Employers had access to the latest talent and could interview for current openings, as well as field questions from program participants about renewable energy careers. Approximately 40 percent of program graduates are now employed.
For more information on ATTE's programs in Renewable Energy, contact Statewide Director Peter Davis at (619) 473-0090, pdavis@cccewd.net, or go to www.attecolleges.org.
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