Solar Training Success Story: Caleb Robinson

When Caleb Robinson signed up for Elevate’s Clean Energy Workforce Training Program, his goal was to find a career path that could help him improve people’s lives and protect the environment.  

Shortly after graduating from the program, Caleb accepted a job offer to begin his career in the solar industry, using the knowledge he learned through the program.  

“I learned a lot of skills that were immediately useful, and I gained a lot of knowledge about energy that I’m excited to apply to my career,” Caleb said. “I hope that I can also use what I’ve learned to pursue more education and maybe work toward getting a degree in engineering or getting an electrician’s certification.”  

Caleb finished the 10-week program alongside eight other graduates this summer. Elevate administered the Clean Energy Workforce Training Program in partnership with Sesenergi Eco Solutions, Cultivate Collective, and Priority Consulting & Services.  

The program equipped graduates from Chicago’s Southwest Side with the skills they need to succeed in the solar industry by pairing a robust training curriculum with personalized case management and holistic support. In addition to gaining technical expertise and industry-recognized credentials, the graduates developed communication and problem-solving skills that will contribute to their long-term success as professionals. 

Caleb said the most helpful part of the program was the opportunity to get hands-on practice with the skills he learned during class.  

“You get the basic knowledge of a concept, like for example, conduit wiring, and then you get first-hand experience doing that electrical work,” Caleb said. “That combination makes it easier to think about whether or not you want to do that kind of job. It gives you a chance to figure out if you actually like the work.”  

In addition to building his professional knowledge, Caleb said he walked away from the program with techniques he could use to reduce his energy use at home right away. He gained a better understanding of how electricity works in our homes, and simple steps he could take to lower his energy usage and save money.  

“It made me feel confident sharing that information with others too,” Caleb said. “My biggest goal for the future was to create a career out of this experience, and I’m so excited to apply what I’ve learned to the solar field and help make the world a better place.”