To whatever degree solar farms — and other manners of alternative energy production — and personal solar use is developed and creates jobs locally, the chief product right now is hope.
We really can’t find fault in that, because for the underemployed, jobless and those looking for a leg up at home, hope in this job market is often in short supply.
Alternative energy development has its critics; a mindset that can be difficult to change until the industry is fully realized. But in the meantime, there are numerous ways local governments and private industry are trying to get ahead of the curve.
At the moment, 60 people in Calexico are becoming educated in electrical and solar panel installation, a field that does not have enough certified and trained individuals at the moment. As the federal government provides more incentives for alternative energy production and as those looking to use such energy in the home increase, the need for trained, skilled labor and installers will be vital.
It’s a beautiful thing to see Calexico and Imperial County playing a role on the ground floor on such training with the International Polytechnic Institute. Lest anyone think this is some unproven training program, an IPI official informed us that the organization has signed on to be the training provider for 23 California State University campuses.
That’s significant no matter which way you cut it. That’s more than hope; that’s providing the tools and training for a viable shot at a future for the people who are going through the training.
IPI is serving a real function in providing training for some of the industries of the present and the future. Already we have seen numerous solar facilities begin the construction phases, with more to come. If the jobs don’t materialize here, they will materialize somewhere.
We’re sure if even a double-digit percentage of those being trained find gainful employment from this training, the effort will have been well worth it. That’s not just hope, that’s a fact.
THE ISSUE:
Institute is training workers for solar farms.
WE SAY:
Such programs offer hope along with teaching skills.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
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