SMUD Energy Careers Pathways Collaboration

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is partnering with local leaders to beautify Sacramento public spaces and bring solar energy, shade and clean energy jobs to underserved communities.

In January 2020 SMUD, the Sacramento Kings, Baker Energy in collaboration with Net Electric, UC Davis, the Sacramento Black Chamber, the Sacramento Promise Zone and SHRA, the Greater Sacramento Urban League and Spotlight Solar partnered on a workforce development project that will increase the use of solar and renewable energy in Sacramento’s underserved communities while providing neighborhood beautification, technical and career readiness training and job opportunities.

The SMUD Energy Careers Pathways program educates adults ages 18 and up in the hands-on technical skills needed to work in the solar energy field. Students receive classroom education, hands-on training in the installation of solar arrays and, upon graduation, opportunities to interview with industry employers.

The program includes preliminary training on rooftop solar installations and installing “solar tree” arrays at multiple sites within Sacramento, beginning with the Greater Sacramento Urban League and the Simmons Community Center.

Net Electric served in the Community Outreach project by developing training modules, interviewing program participants for placement, providing instruction, and mentoring participants through the program.

 

Article: https://www.smud.org/en/Corporate/Landing/Sustainable-Communities/Energy-Careers-Pathways