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The inaugural cohort of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) Microgrid Maintenance Fellowship Program recently concluded an intensive eight-week program that prepared students to operate, deploy and maintain microgrid components and software.
Clean Power Alliance provided a $50,000 sponsorship to LACI to help fund the launch of the program in support of the organization’s success in preparing the workforce of the future and developing talent ready to lead in the field of clean energy and community resilience.
LACI’s Green Jobs Fellowship is a multitiered program which provides technical training, interpersonal skills development, and industry-recognized certifications to help underrepresented groups succeed. The microgrid program fosters student understanding of microgrid systems, high-level solar-plus-storage system sizing, feasibility analysis, operation and control software, and electrical design of distribution networks – readying a workforce poised for green economy jobs.
The students concluded their course with a demonstration day and presented their final projects on microgrid design and technician related tasks and functions. Excitement about what was learned was evident.
“In predicting storm events, I learned the microgrid control system is designed to disconnect from the grid in anticipation of a storm caused by grid outages. This ensures no disruption,” said participating student Darlene Hunt. “Cleaner power and economic development. Power I can feel good about.”
Participants who complete the program are matched with LACI startups and partners for internships and potential job opportunities to fulfill the mission of building an inclusive green economy.
Applications are being accepted through July 27 for the summer Green Jobs Fellowship focused on microgrid maintenance. Interested applicants can apply here.
Founded in 2017, Clean Power Alliance is the locally operated electricity provider for 30 cities across Los Angeles County and Ventura County, as well as the unincorporated areas of both counties. CPA is the fifth largest electricity provider in California and the single largest provider of 100% renewable energy to customers in the nation, serving approximately three million customers via one million customer accounts, providing clean renewable energy at competitive rates.