NORTH COURTLAND — A project to help provide job opportunities in the solar energy industry in northwest Alabama will be kicked off this week, according to the Alabama Department of Workforce.
Partnering with Urban Grid, the R.A. Hubbard Community Center, LPL Solar, CSS Solar, First Solar, the Decatur Career Center, and the town of North Courtland, the Department of Workforce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and job information session Wednesday to launch the Pathways to Careers in Renewable Energy initiative.
According to a news release, the program is designed to connect Lawrence County residents with job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and address the region’s growing demand for locally sourced power and the skilled labor to support it.
The Decatur Career Center, through the Department of Workforce, will be handling the hiring process. Visit the Decatur Career Center for more information at 1819 Bassett Ave., or call 256-355-0142.
The job information session will be at R.A. Hubbard Community Center from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, following the ribbon-cutting. The event will provide information about employment opportunities tied to Urban Grid’s Hillsboro Solar project and the broader renewable energy industry.
“We are happy to participate and coordinate hiring activities for this forward-thinking initiative,” said Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “Our mission is to constantly look for new and innovative ways to bring good jobs and secure futures for Alabama’s workforce.
“We look forward to working with Urban Grid and their partners and bringing these jobs to North Alabama.”
Those with skilled trades backgrounds including electrical, HVAC, concrete construction, landscaping, roofing, roadwork and manufacturing are encouraged to attend. The session will provide information about transferable skills, job requirements and the application process. Company overviews will be presented by CSS Solar, LPL Solar and First Solar.
“The Urban Grid partnership aims to lay the groundwork for transformative community-led educational programming,” said Mayor Riley Evans.
Urban Grid said its mission extends beyond building solar facilities to building strong communities. Through its Economic and Community Development work, the company invests in programs that strengthen local economies, create pathways to good jobs and ensure communities share the benefits of locally sourced energy.
“We are committed to giving back to our project communities, being good neighbors and collaborating with partners whose work advances agriculture, workforce development and youth education,” said Lakeesha Carr, director of economic development at Urban Grid.
As part of the workforce initiative, Urban Grid is also launching the Northern Alabama Solar Education Exhibit at the community center. The exhibit will highlight the Hillsboro Solar Project, showcase renewable energy careers and serve as a cornerstone for community-led education in locally sourced energy.
From development through construction and into long-term operations, Urban Grid said it remains committed to being a trusted partner and a good neighbor in every community it serves.
Job Information Session Event Details
- Wednesday
- 4-7 p.m.
- R.A. Hubbard Community Center Gymnasium, North Courtland
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