Twenty-three graduates from Los Angeles Community College District’s first-ever Energy Certificate of Completion Program are ready and trained to join an in-demand workforce. Their brand-new certificate also comes with several perks – one being well-paying and sustainable jobs.
Funded by a California Department of Justice grant, the Energy Certificate of Completion Program introduces students to various career paths in the green jobs sector. This includes residential and commercial energy auditing; energy surveying, commercial lighting retrofitting, electric vehicle maintenance, electric vehicle charger installation and maintenance to name a few.
“Through our numerous and innovative workforce readiness programs, such as the Energy Certificate of Completion program, our LACCD students are skilled and trained to succeed and join the workforce,” said Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. “Partnering with the Department of Justice, Workforce Training Associates, and Advanced Transportation and Logistics, has allowed the District to curate a new industry-infused curriculum for the growing green jobs sector.”
“On behalf of the LACCD Board of Trustees, we are delighted to provide programs that prepare our students for the jobs of the future that are available now,” said Board of Trustees President David Vela. “Most importantly, we are providing much needed career paths for the many under-resourced and historically underserved communities. We are closing the equity gap a little more with each graduating class.”
The Energy Certificate of Completion Program curriculum included modules focused on topics such as residential and commercial energy auditing; energy surveying, commercial lighting retrofitting, electric vehicle maintenance, and electric vehicle charger installation and maintenance. In addition, each student earned their OSHA 10 certification through which students learned about key safety and health topics for the construction industry, as well as their First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification.
“The District’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction doesn’t stop at what we do on each of our nine college campuses. Our efforts include opening up green jobs to our students and the communities we serve as well,” said Vice Chancellor and Chief Facilities Executive, Dr. Rueben C. Smith. “By providing creative and responsive educational pathways, we are providing the tools, skills, and resources to obtain green jobs for traditional and non-traditional students.”
The program was made possible with a grant from the California Department of Justice’s Automobile Emissions Research and Technology Fund and in partnership with Workforce Training Associates and Advanced Transportation and Logistics.
Juliet Hidlago
