Green News Update

Proteus Inc.’s William M. Maguy School of Education:

Encouraging Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the Central Valley

For over 44 years, Proteus, Inc. has strived to meet the needs of its customers by creating programs aimed at strengthening local communities and enriching the lives of its members by encouraging self-sufficiency.  Nationally recognized as a WASC accredited postsecondary institution, Proteus, Inc. has provided training, education, and community service in the Central San Joaquin Valley for many years.
The Green sector holds much potential as the country accelerates its movement towards renewable energy; particularly in California which has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase reliance on alternative energy sources. Proteus Inc. intends to utilize expertise in human development to promote new workforce opportunities in the emerging energy sector.

The Central San Joaquin Valley is experiencing a large growth of photovoltaic projects.  A 2011 Labor Market Research Report by San Jose State University and SolarTech, who surveyed 32 companies involved in solar installation in the State of California, predict a 56% increase in their workforce in 2011.  With the top hiring position being solar installation crews ( supervisor installers, lead installers, and entry level installers) at 34%.
In 2006, Proteus Inc. perceived the emerging renewable energy industry to be an ideal vehicle for achieving successful occupational training; because of the short-term factor for achieving the entry level skill sets and the strong transferable skills knowledge that the diverse Proteus Inc. participants population possessed. Also with the renewed interest in solar by manufacturing industry, state & federal legislature, and the consumer community for solar energy, only solidified the trend possibilities.

No matter if the employer is in the private industry, local government, or a government contractor, the employer is the one with the hiring need. Proteus Inc. can identify, screen, select, place, and case manage the right candidates, and work with employers to develop curriculum and offer training.  Proteus Inc. strategy is to prepare workers for a career in the renewable energy industry.

Proteus Inc. offers a myriad combination of training possibilities to satisfy the local “green” workforce needs. The Proteus Inc. Solar, EERE (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), Weatherization, and Customized training programs have piloted a number of activities and ideas.

Entry level Solar Installation Training: A comprehensive course for an entry level position in the solar industry. Students will receive hands on experience in designing and installing a solar panel system. Students will also perform construction and electrical basics, learn about different forms of renewable energy, introduction to NABCEP concepts and receive OSHA ten-hour safety training, (6-Weeks/210 Hours).

Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy (EERE) Training: The overall course objective is to prepare students for an entry level position in the weatherization and renewable energy fields. Students will gain the knowledge and receive hands on experience in energy efficiency and renewable energy basics including work safety, building science basics, weatherization measures, and design and installation of photovoltaic systems. Students will also perform construction and electrical basics, learn about different forms of renewable energy, prepare for the NABCEP entry level exam, and receive OSHA ten-hour training, (Solar & *Weatherization – 10-weeks/350 Hours).

*Weatherization Training: As part of the ERRE curriculum is an ideal component that complements the Renewable Energy Industry focus.  Weatherization prepares students to obtain entry-level employment in the Green Industry, (*Weatherization – 4-weeks/160 Hours).

Customized Training Modules: Proteus, Inc. has the flexibility to “mix-and match” training components and curriculums. Customized curriculum can be developed to address individual employer’s needs. Other training; Trenching/Wire Pulling/Truck Driver/Forklift Driver Training

All of these courses are taught using a variety of instructional strategies including lecture, class discussions, small group, classroom lab, and hands on experience.