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Why Work in Sustainability?

Why Work in Sustainability?

Here in Washington state, we experience climate disruptions in the form of wildfires, flooding, heatwaves, and damaging storms. What’s causing climate change? Emissions from burning gasoline, coal and other fossil fuels for everyday needs like electricity, heating and transportation. These emissions are also causing health problems and shortening our lives. Just spend a few hours in Seattle breathing in the smoke from a distant wildfire and you get the picture. If we don’t cut emissions quickly, it’s just going to get worse.

The good news is that it’s possible to cut these harmful emissions by installing clean energy systems such as solar, electric vehicle charging stations, battery storage, and electrification in general. Even better, you can be part of the solution while earning a solid paycheck. Green jobs in clean energy such as solar installers and electricians are growing.

At Sphere One, our vision is an inclusive clean energy future where everyone has access to good green job opportunities. Currently, people of color and females are underrepresented in the clean energy industry. To build a more diverse workforce,  Sphere One holds free clean energy career workshops and events to learn about the types of jobs available and find out how to gain the skills to get hired.

Email or call us to find out about our next event!

Career Pathways

Job for Every Stage in the Process

  • 1. Site assessment

    Solar Associate

    First point of contact with client interested in clean energy system. Checks if the site is suitable for solar, EV charging, and battery storage, educates and gathers information.

    Solar Associate
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  • 2. System design

    Design Consultant

    Determines the size of the system, designs layout, calculates price and energy savings

     Design Consultant
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  • 3. Project planning and coordination

    Project Manager

    Manages every step of the project – orders materials/equipment, schedules installation team, handles permits, updates customer and staff.

    Project Manager
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  • 4. Installation (solar panels, EV charging)

    OR

    Solar Installation Technician

    Installs solar panels, uses a power drill, handles heavy materials, climbs ladders.

    Solar Installation Technician
    OR

    Electrician

    Does the wiring on the solar electric system; Uses electrical line diagrams.

    Electrician
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  • Clean energy system up and running!

    • Lower electric bills
    • Better health
    • Stabilizes the planet
    • Energy Resilience
    • Less extreme weather
    • Less damage to homes/businesses from costly climate disasters
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Job Training

for Careers in Clean Energy

Ready for a job helping the planet reduce harmful emissions by working in solar, EV charging, battery storage, or general electrical? Our Clean Energy Career Pathway program provides paid training, resources and coaching customized to your chosen career path.

Training Image
What you’ll do:
Classroom
  • Learn how solar, EV charging, and battery work together in a clean energy system
  • Site assessments (roof type, orientation, irradiance)​
  • Electricity fundamentals (watts, volts, amps)
  • PV system design and sizing
  • Energy analysis (projecting electricity needs)
  • Customer service
Installation Skills
  • Identify system components (panels, arrays, inverters)​
  • Read a single line diagram with system components and wiring
  • Safe handling of solar panels, tools and materials
  • Assemble roof attachments
Project site visits
  • Clean energy system configuration​
  • PV solar array – panel placement​
  • Battery Storage ​
  • EV charging station​
  • Electrical panel​
  • Solar panel specifications (watts, volts)​
Job Readiness & Skills for Success
  • Career Plan​
  • Resume & cover letter/email​
  • Job Search​
  • Professional communication
  • Time management & prioritization​
  • Social Media Presence (LinkedIn, FB, bio)​
  • Interview preparation
  • Career coaching
  • Employer networking opportunities

Meet our Graduates

Our program welcomes participants with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. We train aspiring electricians, solar installation technicians and business professionals to gain the skills to contribute to stabilizing our rapidly changing climate.

Abdul Moiz Azhar

As a high school graduate, I was thrilled to join Sphere Solar Energy over the summer. Being an intern at Sphere S...

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Abel Lealago

As a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington with a passion for integrating rene...

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Anna Smalley

As I think back on my internship at Sphere One/Solar Energy, I am proud to have been an important part of building...

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Diana Quintero-Perez

Diana was a former intern at Sphere Solar Energy during 2018-2019 during which she was a Senior at Nathan Hale Hig...

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Hebron Solomon

My experience as an intern at Sphere Solar Energy has been enriching. I’ve had the opportunity to share my ideas...

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MATEO ARBELAEZ ARIZALA

Mateo started as an intern with Sphere and now serves as an instructor. He develops and teaches hands-on, interact...

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Clean Energy Trivia

Photons. Sunlight is made of photons that knock the electrons loose in a solar panel. The loose electrons flow creating an electrical current. This is called the photovoltaic effect.

Less than 1%. There is enormous potential for more solar in Washington state.

DC, which stands for direct current.

AC, which stands for alternating current.

Inverter.

Electric vehicle. Driving an EV is a way to avoid burning gasoline, a fossil fuel that releases carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing global warming.

Is a clean energy career for you?

Call or email us for more information about our job training programs. Here are some other resources to explore careers in the growing clean energy sector.

Construction & Trades Pathway

  • Construction Apprenticeships

    Considering a career in construction? This apprenticeship guide, published by the City of Seattle, will help you get started down the pathway to becoming a skilled trades professional.

    Read More
  • ANEW

    With a focus on equity in the construction industry, ANEW provides an excellent pre-apprenticeship program for aspiring skilled trades professionals.

    Read More
  • PSE JATC

    Interested in becoming an electrician? The PSE JATC is an electrical training program in partnership with the IBEW Local 46 electrical union.

    Read More
  • PACT

    Start your construction career by earning a certificate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program.

    Read More
  • Resource Wire

    Subscribe to this free newsletter to find out about community resources, events and career opportunities right from your email inbox.

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  • CITC Construction Apprenticeships

    The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington (CITC) is a trade school offering practical, hands-on training to gain entry into the skilled trades.

    Read More

Business & Non-profit Administration Careers

  • Clean Energy Career Maps

    An interactive tool to explore careers in solar, HVAC, energy efficiency, storage, and green buildings

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  • Sustainability Ambassadors

    A great resource to learn about green jobs

    Read More
  • Solar Washington

    A nonprofit connecting you with “all things solar” in Washington.

    Read More
  • South Seattle College

    Preparation for careers in sustainable building technology

    Read More

Join The Movement

Your support will empower individuals from underserved communities to tackle climate change by increasing access to sustainable, zero-emissions electricity and clean energy job training.

Donate