Green Building and Clean Energy Pre-Apprenticeship Training Partnerships: College of the Desert

Green Building and Clean Energy Pre-Apprenticeship
Training Partnerships:

College of the Desert
Desert Region Renewable Energy Training Program

Type of organization: Accredited California Community College.

Type of training: Pre-apprenticeship level training in the skills needed to gain employment in utility-scale solar power generation, plant construction, system maintenance, and operation.

Area served: East Riverside and south San Bernardino Counties.

Location of training: Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program classrooms in El Centro, and at the facilities of the primary partners. The program also features on-the-job training.

Estimated trainees: 120

Instruction details: Classroom and hands-on training will be conducted to provide participants with a solid foundation in renewable energy principles, technology fundamentals, and utility-scale solar power generation. Participants will also be prepared for work in three trades that are prevalent in utility-scale solar plant construction: electrical/utility, pipefitting, and welding. Participants who need to improve their basic skills will be guided by a college advisor specifically trained in this program.

Result of classes: Participants completing training will be assisted with placement into employment and/or an apprenticeship. The program will prepare participants to obtain two industry recognized credentials, the North American Board of certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge and the NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification.

More about the organization: College of the Desert established the Desert Energy Enterprise Center for training programs and demonstration projects for the growing the renewable energy industry in the region. For this Desert Region Renewable Energy Training Program the College is partnering with First Solar, a manufacturer of solar modules. Outreach and recruitment will be performed by partner organizations that have experience, credibility, and contacts in the community. Eligibility and tracking will be provided by a highly experienced Local Workforce Investment Board. College of the Desert is a two-year degree granting institution of the State of California Community College System offering a variety of academic, career, and technical education programs.

Find more information here: TBA
www.collegeofthedesert.edu

Program Manager Contact:
Larry McLaughlin
(760) 773-2595