Nov 18, 2008 4:53 pm US/Eastern
EnergyWatch: Philly Students Train for Solar Jobs
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
To create alternative energy, you need more than new ideas. You need people who can install everything from wind turbines to solar panels. CBS 3's Lesley Van Arsdall talked to some students who are starting that job training early.
The students at The Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia are learning how to go green with on-the-job training .
Solar States is teaming up with the Philadelphia School District to help prepare students for careers using solar energy, which they hope will become big business in Philadelphia.
"There's a lack of trained solar installers," said Micah Gold-Markel, who started Solar States. "A lot of people want to have solar panel on their houses but just don't have the technical skills."
Teacher Matt Van Kouwenberg said, "You know, three years ago, no one was aware of these green industry jobs. As people are exposed to the fact that they exist, it seems like the type of thing our students would be interested in."
And they are. Today, the students are busy building solar panels, but with a much bigger goal in mind
"I'm going to be inheriting the world when I get older, so I guess doing this will help insure there will be a world for me to inherit," said Yousuf Khale.
Once students complete the program, they will be offered a job in the industry. They say that's exactly where they want to be.
"I definitely want to spend probably the rest of my life doing alternative energy and helping the world," said Allison Cambell.
"We're going to be here for a long time," said Alex Wiles. "Future generations are going to look back at this time and say, people that existed now, they did a lot to save the environment."
And help make Philadelphia a little greener in the process.
RELATED LINKS:Solar States
http://www.solar-states.com/
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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