The Green Economy Lab, located in Stockton, California, was established as a workforce training and incubator hub aimed at advancing green economy jobs in the San Joaquin Valley. The “Zero-Emission Vehicle Training for San Joaquin County” (ARV-21-057), or Mobility Workforce Development Project, developed a comprehensive training program focused on electric vehicle mechanics, electric vehicle charging station installation and maintenance, customer service, electrician certification, and high school diploma attainment for the Green Economy Lab. This final report assesses the Mobility Workforce Development Project’s success in achieving agreement goals and presents an overview of the Green Economy Lab’s impacts, key challenges, and opportunities for scaling similar initiatives to other regions.
The Green Economy Lab's integrated approach of combining industry-aligned training, direct employment partnerships, and comprehensive support services demonstrates a successful model for workforce development in the emerging green economy. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Grid Alternatives, the San Joaquin County Office of Education, the San Joaquin Council of Governments, and the Port of Stockton, the Green Economy Lab expanded its reach, offering employment pathways and hands-on training opportunities in multiple sectors. Community engagement efforts, including targeted outreach and accessible enrollment processes, facilitated participation from underserved populations. And supportive services, such as job placement assistance and resume development, were instrumental in securing employment opportunities for program graduates. To date, 156 individuals have participated in training programs, with 75 securing jobs, leading to an average income increase of 78 percent.
