Access In Action:
From High School Student to Green Worker
A Workforce Pathway Story:
Lance Haywood
After graduating from high school in May 2023, Lance Haywood knew that a traditional college path was not the right fit for him. Inspired by a family friend working as a lineman, Lance enrolled in the Northwest Lineman College in Oroville, California, determined to pursue a hands-on career in the utility and energy sector.
In just 13 weeks, Lance earned his Class A CDL Permit along with multiple industry certifications, including OSHA 10-Hour ET & D, climbing and aerial lift safety, TLL crane operations, pole-top rescue, first aid/CPR, digger derrick safety, chainsaw safety, and maintenance.
His academic training covered the electrical grid, transformers, line equipment, and rigging—providing him with a strong technical foundation.
Despite his extensive training, Lance faced a common barrier for recent high school graduates: limited work experience. Securing a utility apprenticeship proved challenging, so Lance turned to MREP CA for guidance. Recognizing his potential, we encouraged him to expand his skill set within the clean energy sector and supported his application to GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID LA) and its Installation Basics Training (IBT) Program.
GRID LA is a nonprofit organization that provides solar installations for income-qualified families across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties while offering paid, hands-on workforce training opportunities. Its 13-week IBT Program prepares participants for careers in the clean energy industry through real job-site experience and industry-recognized certifications.
MREP CA Impact:
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Supported Lance’s successful acceptance into GRID LA’s IBT Program
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Enabled him to earn additional certifications in solar module installation, electrical safety, system layout and mounting, electrical wiring, array layout, and vault rescue
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Assisted Lance in securing part-time commercial and residential solar installation work through local minority-owned firms and the GRID Alternatives job network
Today, just over two years after high school, Lance has secured employment as a Groundsman with Sigal Utility Services in Northern California. He credits his transition into a green career to the support of his father, family, and the guidance provided by MREP CA, which helped expand his skills, professional network, and long-term commitment to the renewable energy industry.
Lance’s journey illustrates the growing range of career pathways available to high school graduates who are interested in learning a skilled trade within the clean energy industry. His experience demonstrates that students do not need to follow a traditional college route to secure stable, well-paying employment.
Through targeted training, hands-on experience, and access to workforce development programs, young people can build long-term careers in California’s emerging green economy- contributing to essential infrastructure while gaining economic security and upward mobility.