Did Y'all Know? | July 2025
Did Y’all Know…
July is all about workforce at SJVCEO and this webisode is a powerful spotlight on Rising Sun, an organization creating green jobs and climate career pathways for underserved communities. Rochelle Butler of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization is joined by Julia Hatton, President and CEO of Rising Sun for a deep dive into the intersection of workforce development and climate action.
Julia provides inspiring insight on how Rising Sun invests time and resources in youth education and workforce training through their Climate Careers Program and how these investments pay dividends in the professional and economic trajectory of young people throughout their lives.
This discussion includes insights on:
The mission and origin story of Rising Sun
How green jobs go beyond just offering employment by also offering economic mobility
Real-world barriers to accessing climate careers, and how Rising Sun helps to address them
Insight into Rising Sun’s impactful programs preparing the next generation for the clean energy future
Did Y’all Know…
As a national leader in clean energy innovation, California is ramping up investments in education and training to build a skilled workforce for the growing energy efficiency sector. From K–12 outreach to advanced certifications, inclusive programs are opening doors to green careers—especially for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. These efforts are key to powering the state’s ambitious climate goals with equity at the forefront.
Did Y’all Know
California's workforce development programs might not deliver direct energy savings, but they are absolutely serving as the foundation for everything we do. From the California Conservation Corps training young adults in energy efficiency installations to community colleges developing EV infrastructure curriculum, these programs are building the skilled workforce that makes our clean energy dreams possible.
Did Y’all Know…
It is exciting to think about new technology, particularly in the energy-efficiency space, because it means new opportunities to live and operate better. However, one of the biggest challenges with rolling out new technology is the lack of people who are qualified to install, support, and maintain it.
This gap is exacerbated by the fact that technology continues to grow more rapidly, so the need for a trained workforce to support it only grows more necessary. So, the question is, how are we addressing this issue? The answer: There are many ways this issue is being addressed.
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Did Y’all Know
Are you a CCEW-enrolled local government partner looking to boost your team’s skills in energy-efficient building operations? Don’t miss the final Building Operator Certification (BOC) Fundamentals courses of 2025!
This 100% virtual training helps participants improve building system performance—often leading to measurable energy savings.
Upcoming Start Dates:
📅 September 9, 2025 (limited availability)
📅 November 5, 2025
Cost Breakdown:
💲 Standard: $1,450
💲 PG&E Discounted Rate: $795 (for eligible local governments)
🎓 CCEW Scholarship: Covers the remaining $795 — making the course FREE for the first 7 confirmed CCEW partner registrants!