{"id":7309,"date":"2023-10-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gridalt.wpenginepowered.com\/the-current\/grid-ies-historic-first-ibt-200-graduates-and-graduation-celebration\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T18:29:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T22:29:40","slug":"grid-ies-historic-first-ibt-200-graduates-and-graduation-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/live-grid-wp.pantheonsite.io\/es\/the-current\/grid-ies-historic-first-ibt-200-graduates-and-graduation-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"GRID IE’s Historic First IBT 200 Graduates and Graduation Celebration!"},"content":{"rendered":"

From left to Right: Jeffrey Brantley, Rio Garcia, Neil Warren Solar Installation Training Officer, Gabriel Mendez, Marco Morales, and Kevin Tohee.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

By Cindy Corrales Workforce and Volunteer Manager<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people know about GRID\u2019s work helping green our planet\u2014reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of solar energy and how GRID\u2019s solar projects are centered around serving families and communities in need\u2014but one thing folks often forget about, or may not often see, is the workforce programming that is tied to many of the infrastructure projects our Outreach and Construction teams work so hard to make happen at the residential and commercial level.<\/p>\n

Our solar build sites have value to career seekers in our community\u2014and provide an opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence to pursue careers in the solar industry. <\/p>\n

\"IBT
Cindy Corrales opens the graduation ceremony with a speech that is the basis of this story you are reading.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You may know that when GRID started over 20 years ago, the focus was to install solar electric systems for families in need at no cost, utilizing borrowed tools from a tool-lending library and a team of community volunteers.<\/p>\n

The thriving volunteer program at GRID quickly became recognized by solar employers who sought out these experienced and trained volunteers to employ at their companies.<\/p>\n

Out of that need and response from the industry, GRID grew its Workforce Programs over the past 10+ years.<\/p>\n

\"IBT
Sandra Romero, Workforce & Volunteer Program Specialist, addresses the crowd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GRID welcomes those seeking knowledge and the skills to enter the clean energy workforce\u2014we welcome young people, women, tribal members, the justice-involved, the unemployed and underemployed, those with barriers to employment, veterans, and those looking for a new career.<\/p>\n

We aim to engage a diverse community of learners with opportunities and careers in clean energy. We provide access to no-cost training and help connect people to solar and related clean energy careers with local employers.<\/p>\n

\"IBT
Erik Rodriguez Cerda, Workforce Programs Coordinator, providing information on local programing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Through GRID\u2019s solar workforce programming: <\/p>\n

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