 San Diego’s ambitious clean energy and decarbonization goals demand a skilled, diverse workforce. SEI believes that creating a sustainable future means empowering all communities with pathways to high-wage, high-growth careers in the clean energy economy.
That’s why we are thrilled to announce that SEI, alongside partners Resource Innovations (RI) and the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County (MAAC), has been selected to spearhead a new initiative: The San Diego Regional Energy Network (SDREN) Workforce Training and Capacity Building Program. This comprehensive, system-wide initiative will serve 2,200 individuals entering or upskilling in energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization industries. “With this project, we are focusing on enhancing the great work that is already being done in San Diego through collaboration, refinement and streamlining rather than creating new initiatives,” says SEI Program Director Tiffany Mrotek. “We believe all the pieces are already here; it’s all about creating harmony in the workforce system to better serve San Diego.”
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By Isaí Rea  Paid Work Experience participants from Eco Performance Builders enjoying a care package from SEI. Pictured left to right: Anderson Gomez, Alec Speckenbach, and Ronin Daoheauang. The Energize Careers team would like to highlight one of our pivotal partners in the Green Workforce Pathways program: Eco Performance Builders, Inc.
Based in Walnut Creek, California, EPB is a home performance and electrification retrofit company dedicated to transforming homes into energy-efficient, all-electric, comfortable, and healthier living spaces. Since the inception of our program, EPB has hired 21 participants from our Paid Work Experience program, which connects job seekers to entry-level green trade positions with trusted local contractors in MCE service areas. A special thank-you goes to Tami Kerr, Client Service Representative, for being a wonderful partner. Her support ensures a smooth transition for our program participants, and her dedication has been invaluable. By Isaí Rea  Tyler (left) and Christopher (right) during a class tour at J&J Air Systems, now both employed at Supreme Air Systems. Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s Career Technical Education program empowers students to secure long-term employment and develop professionally and personally. GSVC’s no-cost, entry-level professional skills training programs (supported by the Energize Careers program) are designed to help students overcome systemic challenges such as generational poverty, housing insecurity, and justice system involvement.
GWSV serves Santa Clara County including recent graduates, Tyler Harrison and Christopher Cajero. As classmates, Tyler and Christopher developed a friendship. After Christopher landed a job at Supreme Air Systems (an HVAC company), he referred Tyler, securing gainful employment for both. Now, they apply their skills daily, proving how mentorship and opportunity can rewrite futures. By Isaí Rea  Graduates of the Tesla START program at Rio Hondo College, an Energize Careers partner, in 2023. Solving the climate crisis can feel insurmountable, but we know that it’s possible – with the right people. Currently, there’s a massive workforce gap in the energy efficiency sector and other green workforce industries. Simply put, there aren’t enough skilled people to fill these jobs.
By Rachel Su-Ang  The mission of SEI’s newest program, Energize Careers, is to “Create a diverse and representational sustainability workforce through industry-advised training of people who experience systemic barriers to high road employment.” The Energize Careers program offers holistic services to provide access to technical training, job placement, and employment support for traditionally underserved communities.
Through Energize Careers, SEI partners with top tier training institutions across California. Current partners include Cerritos College, Inland Empire Electrical Training Center, Proteus, Rio Hondo College, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, Sacramento City College, San Diego Electrical Training Institute, and San Jose City College. Energize Careers is looking for additional collaborators who provide unique education and training certificate programs to upskill the next generation of leaders in the sustainability sector. |
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