Build a hands-on career in clean energy
Access local training, support and connections to launch or advance your career in the trades and clean energy.
I'm a Job Seeker
Get the skills and connections you need for a career in clean energy.
I'm an Employer
Access skilled talent, staff training and technical assistance to grow your business.
I'm a Skilled Trades Professional
Access no-cost training, continuing education credits, and industry recognized certifications.
About Spark Your Career
We help San Diego County residents build careers in clean energy and skilled trades with hands-on training, certifications, mentorship and direct job connections.
HVAC • Electrical Services • Building Operations • Facilities Management • Energy Efficiency
What You Get from the Program
For Job Seekers
We provide everything you need to launch and grow your clean energy career: hands-on training, industry certifications, one-on-one mentorship, direct job placement and continued support for advancement.
- Hands-on technical training in high-wage, high-growth jobs
- One-on-one career guidance and mentoring from professionals
- Wraparound services, including resume prep, interview coaching and assistance with transportation and child care
- Direct connections with union and nonunion jobs, apprenticeships and career advancement
For Employers
We help you recruit skilled workers, train your team and strengthen employee retention — at no cost. Participating employers can:
- Access qualified candidates with in-demand technical, clean energy and job-ready skills
- Upskill employees in emerging clean energy and trades-related technologies
- Strengthen retention through mentorship, supervisor training and employee assistance programs
- Improve productivity and sales with leadership, customer services, marketing and soft skills training
- Obtain tailored workforce support from industry and training experts
For Skilled Trades Professionals
We provide everything you need to advance your career in clean energy and related trades—at no cost. Through this program, you gain:
- Training in high-demand jobs in HVAC, electrification, building performance, and energy efficiency
- Certifications that boost career growth and earning potential
- Tailored career advancement pathways
- Access to employee assistance services for eligible candidates
For Job Seekers
We provide everything you need to launch and grow your clean energy career: hands-on training, industry certifications, one-on-one mentorship, direct job placement and continued support for advancement.
- No-cost technical training in high-wage, high-growth jobs
- One-on-one career guidance and mentoring from clean energy professionals
- Wraparound services including resume prep, interview coaching and assistance with transportation and child care
- Direct connections with union jobs, apprenticeships and career advancement opportunities
For Employers
We provide your business with pretrained candidates, training for current employees and customized support to improve recruitment, onboarding and retention.
- Access to pretrained, certified local talent ready to contribute from day one
- Technical assistance to strengthen onboarding, upskilling and retention strategies
- No-cost training resources for upskilling your current workforce
For Skilled Trades Professionals
We provide everything you need to advance your career in clean energy and related trades—at no cost.
Through this program, you gain:
- Training in high-demand jobs in HVAC, electrification, building performance, and energy efficiency
- Certifications that boost career growth and earning potential
- Tailored career advancement pathways
- Access to employee assistance services for eligible candidates
Who It’s For
You may qualify if you:
- Live or work in San Diego County
- Are interested in a career in clean energy career (energy efficiency, electrification), HVAC, electrical or related trades
- Are seeking new skills, certifications or career advancement
- Want connections with local employers
Training for a new career isn’t easy. We provide resources to help you participate fully, such as training scholarships and support for things like transportation and child care.
Your organization may qualify if it:
- Is based in or serves San Diego County
- Seeks to reduce the costs of recruitment, hiring and professional development
- Wants to hire skilled local workers, increase employee retention and boost productivity
You qualify if you:
- Live or work in San Diego County
- Are seeking new skills, certifications, or want to maintain your Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Are working in energy efficiency or the trades (HVAC, electrical services, building operations, facilities maintenance)
How It Works
Apply
Fill out our enrollment form to get started.
Learn
Complete hands-on training and earn industry certifications.
Connect
Get matched with a mentor and explore career options.
Launch Your Career
Transition into a full-time job, apprenticeship, or continue your education.
Connect with Our Team
Meet to discuss your hiring needs, challenges and types of roles you are looking to fill.
Identify solutions
We work with you to identify the right mix of services to hire, train and retain the workers you need.
Hire, Train and Retain
Gain access to qualified candidates, employee training and services to strengthen performance and retention.
Apply
Fill out our enrollment form to get started.
Learn
Complete hands-on training, maintain continuing education units, and earn industry certifications through our partner providers.
Connect
Reach out to your employer to offer even more no-cost opportunities to you and your fellow crew members.
How to Get Started
For Job Seekers
Ready to build a hands-on clean energy career? Tell us a bit about yourself to get started. This form takes about 20 minutes to complete.
For Employers
For Skilled Trades Professionals
Ready to access no-cost training, continuing education units, and certifications? Enroll in the program by filling out this form, and we’ll reach out with upcoming opportunities.
No-Cost Professional Development
Crew members can access training, continuing education units, certifications in areas such as:
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Electrical Services
Building Performance/Operations/ Facilities Management Teams
Energy Efficiency Program Providers
Customer Service, Sales and Soft Skills Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
For Job Seekers
What kinds of jobs can I get through this program?
Spark Your Career prepares you for a high-growth career in San Diego’s trades-related industries and clean energy sectors. Job opportunities include positions in energy efficiency, electrification, HVAC systems, building performance and related technical fields. We focus on placing you in stable, living-wage, clean energy jobs with opportunities for long-term career advancement. Many positions offer union benefits and do not require a four-year college degree.
How can I start a career in clean energy with no experience?
We partner with established training programs and registered apprenticeship programs that provide comprehensive hands-on training. We deliver the technical skills and professional development necessary to successfully launch a clean energy career, regardless of prior experience.
Who is this program for? Do I qualify?
Spark Your Career is for people who live or are willing to work in San Diego County who want to start or advance a career in skilled trades and clean energy. Opportunities include pathways into electrical work, HVAC, construction, energy efficiency and other hands-on technical careers. We prioritize serving individuals from historically underserved communities, but if you’re motivated to build a career in the trades or clean energy, you’re welcome to apply.
How much does it cost?
What will I learn in the training?
Training varies by provider. You’ll learn about topics such as renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization and integrated demand side management (IDSM). You’ll also develop essential professional skills including resume development, interviewing techniques and professional networking — all critical for career advancement.
Which certifications can I earn?
Through our partnerships with local colleges and training providers, you can earn industry-recognized certifications in areas like energy auditing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical systems and building performance.
How long does the program take?
Program duration varies based on your selected pathway and training track. Spark Your Career offers flexible options, including short-term technical training, extended certification programs and registered apprenticeships ranging from several weeks to multiple years.
What happens after I complete training?
You have multiple options after the training: Transition directly into full-time employment with partner employers, enter a Registered Apprenticeship Program, enroll in trade school or continue your education at a college or university — all with established industry connections. We also provide you with ongoing career advancement services and employment support following your initial placement.
Can I participate if I'm currently employed?
Do I need a college degree?
No. Many clean energy careers offer excellent pathways through trade schools, registered apprenticeships and professional certifications. Spark Your Career connects you with all of these educational and training options.
For Employers
What kinds of candidates can I expect from this program?
Employers can expect prescreened, motivated and employment-ready candidates who have completed the technical training necessary to contribute effectively from their first day on the job. Program participants are certified professionals with hands-on experience in the trades, electrification and energy efficiency — all prepared to meet your organization’s workforce needs.
How does your program help with employee retention?
Spark Your Career provides services beyond initial placement. The program provides pre- and post-employment wraparound services to support new recruits as they transition into employment. We also offer employee assistance programs to current employees who may need free and confidential support services such as financial information, transportation assistance, affordable child care, legal services or a community resource directory.
Is there a cost to become an employer partner and hire through this program?
There is no cost to partner with Spark Your Career and access its pool of qualified candidates. We provide technical assistance, toolkits and support services at no charge. Our objective is to develop a qualified energy workforce that benefits both the community and our employer partners.
How do we get started?
Contact us to schedule a brief consultation. Our staff will discuss your specific organizational needs with you and outline how Spark Your Career can customize a talent pipeline to connect your organization with certified energy technicians and skilled energy professionals.
How does the hiring process work?
Spark Your Career maintains partnerships with up to 20 education and training partners throughout San Diego County. We vet and match candidates from these institutions with your specific hiring needs based on skills, certifications and role requirements. We assist with candidate introductions and support onboarding logistics to help ensure a smooth transition.
What support do I receive as an employer partner?
In addition to gaining access to a job-ready talent pool, employer partners are able to provide current employees professional development and upskilling toward credit hours in the latest industry practices.
Companies may also receive one-on-one technical assistance for internal policies, onboarding strategy optimization, retention best practices and upskilling program design. Partners will gain visibility from co-branded recruitment materials, social media outreach and public community events that recognize the company’s organizational leadership in workforce innovation.
Which sectors do your candidates serve?
Skilled candidates are prepared for positions across the trades and clean energy ecosystem including energy efficiency, electrification, HVAC, building performance, energy auditing, facilities management and integrated demand side management (IDSM). Candidates demonstrate not only technical qualifications but also job-ready skills such as knowledge of tools and safety, work ethic, customer service and communications.
Can you help us upskill our current employees?
Yes. Spark Your Career provides new training opportunities and can help enhance existing internal training programs for current workers. This service helps existing teams stay up to date with industry advancements while building employee loyalty and reducing organizational turnover.
What kinds of training courses do you offer to companies?
Employees can upskill and attain professional certifications and continuing education units (CEUs) through in-person courses, self-paced online training, webinars and connections with external training programs and scholarships. Companies will work with Spark Your Career to develop the package of course offerings that are right for them, including:
- Tool Knowledge and Safety Practices
- ABCs of Energy Efficiency
- Optimizing Commercial Building Performance through Digital Twin Technology
- Load Calculations
- Engineering Concepts
- Customer Service and Communications
- Sales and Marketing
- Digital Literacy
- Career Mindset and Career Pathways in the Trades and Clean Energy Fields
Can you help with apprenticeship and mentorship programs?
Yes. We offer guidance and incentives for mentors who provide on-the-job training for new recruits. We also can connect your company with programs that subsidize up to 50% of an apprentice’s salary for up to six months. Ask us how!
How do I recruit energy and trade professionals through your network?
Simply join our employer network to gain access to this pipeline of trained, certified candidates. We handle initial candidate screening and matching and then facilitate introductions based on your organization’s specific workforce requirements.
