Program Overview | SoCalREN

gpc

Green Path Careers is a program administered through the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) and its partners that is designed to help individuals who are opportunity youth and adults ages 18 and up, prepare for careers in the energy efficiency field.

Energy efficiency is a rapidly growing field with exceptional opportunities for career development. Job roles within the energy efficiency sector encompass various areas, including new construction, energy retrofits for existing buildings and homes, and installations related to HVAC and lighting. As California continues to prioritize energy-efficiency, the demand for skilled workers will only increase.

Program Benefits

Green Path Careers is offered at no cost to participating youth and adults.
Support during enrollment and participation.
Receive Personal Enrichment Training and gain valuable life skills, including goal setting and managing personal finances.
Technical training and education to prepare students to complete industry certifications.
Learn how to develop a professional resume, prepare for interviews, and understand the job application process.
Get Paid Work Experience with local energy efficiency companies.

View the Program Overview Flyer

View the Participant Overview Flyer

Participation Eligibility Requirements

Be opportunity youth and/or adults, ages 18 and up.
Have a valid Social Security Number.
A commitment to completing the program.

Enrollment Process

Complete a Program Interest Form to start the process.
Attend a Green Path Careers Informational Session
Participate in an Orientation Meeting
Complete L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Enrollment Process

Potential Employers

Interested in the GPC Program but have questions? See our FAQs for Potential Employers to get started or contact us if you have additional questions.

_{Green Path Careers}_{is offered through the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), led by the Los Angeles County Office of Energy and Environment and in partnership with a group of local government and community organizations dedicated to building and supporting the next generation of Southern California’s energy efficiency workforce.}

_{Energy Efficiency Industry Reference Data: 2019 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, National Association of State Energy Officials.}

Making a Difference

In 2019, the SoCalREN Workforce Education and Training Program enrolled 67 ACES in the Program, established 20 new partnerships leading to 29 paid internships to participants, and conducted over 300 hours of training.

By registering on socalren.org/agencies/register, public agencies can now gain access to an extensive library of information, tools, templates, and case studies while being introduced to exciting new program opportunities.

SoCalREN also offers financial services for public agencies to obtain the necessary incentives or financing to make projects a reality. Reducing energy use reduces costs for public agencies, freeing up scarce public resources for services like public safety, firefighting, and educational resources.

SoCalREN works collaboratively with engineering firms, contractors, Local Government Partnerships, Southern California Edison, and SoCalGas to ensure streamlined, “one-stop” services to customers.

13,740 tenant units improved, $7,161,042 improvement incentives paid to multifamily properties, and 180 construction jobs created all in the 2019 calendar year.

In 2019, 53 percent of the projects completed were performed in disadvantaged communities. These projects achieved 3,597,973 kWh gross (3,058,277 GWh net) and 194,514 therms gross (165,337 therms net).

The SoCalREN Multifamily Program helps customers identify and prioritize project opportunities to achieve a percentage savings above baseline usage, regardless of utility. This allows property owners to make informed facility improvement decisions that best meet their property’s needs.

The mission of SoCalREN is to harness the collective action of public agencies to save energy and lead their communities on the pathway to a safe, secure, resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future.

In 2019 SoCalREN achieved 17,692,420 kWh (39% DAC), 707 kW (47% DAC) and 15,203 (100% DAC) of energy savings, while supporting 260 construction jobs and paying out a total of $6.5 million in incentives.

In 2019, SoCalREN’s energy efficiency programs collectively achieved 6,920,487 kWh and 492,655 therms of energy savings.

SoCalREN works across 12 counties with one common goal: achieving unprecedented levels of energy savings throughout Southern California by delivering programs and information to the communities, businesses, and 20 million people who call the area home.

SoCalREN Workforce Education and Training Program serves as a response to high demand for skilled labor in the energy sector through targeted youth workforce education and training, small business training regarding current energy efficiency programs, and local public agency opportunities.

SoCalREN’s Workforce Education and Training Program continually pursues new ways to provide greater employment opportunity to under-represented individuals performing energy efficiency project work.

The Metered Savings Program, Pathway to Zero, and the Revolving Savings Fund aim to overcome significant market barriers and harness the collective actions of Southern California public agencies to save energy. These programs work together seamlessly as companion programs and have expanded services available to agencies to drive deeper energy efficiency savings and create more sustainable communities.

In Q4 2019, the Residential Community Coordinator (RCC) Program interacted with nearly 748 customers through participation in 13 community events and seminars. These outreach events targeted Hispanic and Chinese audiences and successfully increased program awareness in these communities. SoCalREN’s RCC Program will continue to provide in-language support to hard-to-reach customers and provide opportunities for these customers to save money and add value to their multifamily properties.

The Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Students Pathway Program provides education and career pathways for disadvantaged youth. The Program improves educational achievement and removes barriers to higher education by co-enrolling high school students in community college courses in science, technology, engineering, art, and math fields.