Clean Energy Workforce
Since 2000, solar power production and consumption in Sonoma County has grown by more than 60%. With such growth, solar companies are looking more than ever to increase their workforce. However, most people know little of the industry. Solar Sonoma County is working with the community to develop this workforce and create job opportunities within the solar industry.
"Solar Sonoma County serves as an information query house for companies who are looking to find people interested in job development within the solar industry," said Lori Houston, co-founder of Solar Sonoma County.
For those that are interested in getting involved within the solar industry, Solar Sonoma County has many resources in connecting with local training outlets and job opportunities.
So you want a career in the Clean Energy industry? Bravo!
You've come to the right place. There are just so many paths and opportunities to explore that without a good road map it's easy to get lost.
This list has been compiled by experts in their field and is intended to be a resource for those folks in Sonoma County who are ready to begin or looking to broaden their knowledge.
Green MBA's
Certificate Programs
Solar Training and Energy Efficiency
Home Energy Rating System
Building Performance Institute Building Analyst:
This is the nuts and bolts training that would equip you to fully understand the energy analysis process/report and help the property owner understand their efficiency options. Gives you the whole picture.
PG&E:
PG&E has loads of FREE classes on their docket. A great place to get extra training in lighting, renewables, water and energy.
HERS II:
A State home energy rating system (HERS) that will be launching in 2011. It covers most of the topics of the BPI Building Analyst training and focuses on rating energy use. The BPI training is more comprehensive and includes combustion safety testing.
Certified GreenPoint Rater:
A sustainable renovation rating system by Build It Green. It addresses energy efficiency, but also includes waste disposal, water conservation, sustainable materials and other issues.
SSU Green Building:
Professionals program provides a more general overview of green building issues. Might be a nice extra, but not the meat and potatoes.
"In order to get the economy moving again we must develop programs to provide a workforce with the appropriate skills to handle the solar industry growth."
-Lori Houston, Co-Founder of Solar Sonoma County