Training

Partners Foothill-De Anza Community Colleges District and San Jose State University have led development and delivery of world class training programs, to infuse the renewable energy industry with highly skilled and relevant talent.

SWIC is no longer accepting applications for training. Individuals may contact NOVA Workforce Board for other training opportunities.

We are delighted that so much of the SWIC training material will turn into for-credit classes at Bay Area community colleges. Click here for details and for more information on the future evolution of SWIC training and see college links at bottom of page for program information.

California Community Colleges interested in curricular resources may contact Catherine Ayers, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Solar Courses

Solar PV Design Engineering

This program provides an understanding of solar project design elements including: PV modules, racking and tracking systems. Students are taught how to perform engineering site visits including site survey, sizing and selection and learn how to draft electrical and structural designs for PV systems. Similar credit course available at Foothill College, ENGR 82, Photovoltaic & Solar Cell Design.

Solar PV Technical Sales & Proposal Development

Students enter the class with previous sales experience to gain an understanding of how to determine the energy needs of a residential client, analyze financial benefits of solar and perform the preliminary design of a PV system in order to generate a cost estimate. Similar credit course available at Skyline College, ENVS 411, Solar Design, Estimation and Sales.

Energy Efficiency Courses

Introduction to Clean Energy Technology

The class provides an understanding of current and emerging energy infrastructure, key technology challenges, the role of renewable energy, smart energy management and active distribution, and energy efficiency. Students are prepared for continuing education or job opportunities in the field. Similar credit course available at Foothill College, ENGR 40, Intro to Clean Energy Technology.

Construction Energy Management, Building Efficiency Sales and Marketing

Students learn how to compare and contrast building efficiency and performance improvement criteria and sciences in conjunction with sales and marketing principles and practices. The training also explores how to critically assess an integrated approach to building science and solar derived system applications and apply to sales and marketing principles and practices. Similar credit course available at Cabrillo College, CEM 190SS, Building Efficiency Sales and Marketing.

Construction Energy Management, Building Science, BPI Certification Prep

Students will critically assess and apply the theory of building science for construction technology. They will investigate through testing methods the performance of buildings as it pertains to safety, health, comfort, and energy efficiency. The class also emphasizes methods to compare and contrast testing results for buildings as measured by scientific equipment. Similar credit course available at Cabrillo College, CEM 190BS2, Building Science 2.

Energy Efficiency in Building Systems

Students will develop skills and competencies in applying financial and investment strategies to upgrade energy systems in commercial and industrial buildings. Key topics include understanding buildings as integrated systems, lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling, and energy efficiency as a design principle. . The course includes an extensive team project to develop and present a business case for a commercial building owner. Similar credit course available at Foothill College, ENGR 87, Building Science & Performance Engineering.

Electric Vehicle Courses

Electric Vehicle and Plug-In Transportation Technology

The training is intended to educate students about the design, operating principles, service and safety aspects of: Electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHVs). The course will feature the use of electric power for vehicle transportation including one of the latest production extended range plug in electric vehicles; the 2011 Chevy Volt. Also covered will be other current plug-in models such as the 2010 Toyota Prius PHV. As well as utilization of advanced diagnostic equipment needed to properly service electrical vehicle systems. Similar credit course available at De Anza College, AUTO 67, Electric Vehicle & Plug-In Transportation Technology.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Auto 60M.

Provides an understanding of the functions of automotive hybrid propulsion systems, the operating characteristics of hybrid drive systems and the integration of high voltage power supplies and energy storage systems. Explores the operating fundamentals of DC to DC converters and the relationship of internal combustion engines and motor generators. Students learn about maintenance and servicing of Hybrid vehicles and PV charging of Electric Vehicles and safety issues. Similar credit course available at De Anza College, AUTO 60M, Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

The Electric Vehicle Living Lab at De Anza College’s AutoTech Department includes a solar-powered EV charging station, a Chevrolet Volt, tools and equipment that is being leveraged through this coursework. In addition, the Living Lab will be the location for additional training for the region’s maintenance technicians through the Green Transportation Workforce Development and other community events.

Other Training Programs

In addition to SWIC training programs, there are a number of organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area offering free or low-cost training opportunities in renewable energy. We hope these resources help readers explore other ways to enhance their knowledge of the solar, energy efficiency, and all renewable energy industries.

The list below is not intended to imply recommendations and is not all inclusive. For suggestions on additional programs please contact Doug McKenzie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

San Jose State University

SJSU MBA Course in Green Energy

From April 26 to June 14, SJSU is offering an evening MBA course entitled "Strategic Management in Green Energy." The course examines the economic drivers and business opportunities created by increasing interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, with a particular focus on the role of California and the Bay Area. The course is available for graduate course credit for current or future SJSU students, and is available to the general public by registration through SJSU Open University. For more information, see the course syllabusor contact the instructor Joel West at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

San Jose State University committed to providing this course as part of the SWIC grant. It is a for-credit MBA course and would probably be of greatest interest to someone who has an MBA or is interested in getting an MBA.

This class is being taught by Professor Joel West, who led San Jose State's research and training efforts for SWIC during 2010-2011.
Those who are unable to make the first class session but are interested in taking the class should contact Prof. West directly.