Powering People: SJCE Invests in the Next Generation of Clean Energy Workers

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San José Clean Energy (SJCE) is committed to more than delivering clean power at fair rates—we’re investing in people. Through workforce scholarships and local partnerships, SJCE is helping build a strong, diverse workforce ready to power San José’s clean energy future.

One example is the San José Clean Energy TOP Scholarship, a partnership between SJCE, the City of San José, and San José City College. This scholarship supports students enrolled in the Trades Orientation Program (TOP) at San José City College, which was created by Working Partnerships USA to prepare participants for careers in the building and electrification trades. By bridging the gap today for individuals who will contribute to the infrastructure of tomorrow, this collaboration highlights the power of partnership and how we achieve more together.

The scholarship would not be possible without generous funding from Terra-Gen and NextEra Energy Resources, energy companies powering San Jose homes and businesses with electricity through SJCE. Community Investment funds were built into power purchase agreements, creating the San José Clean Energy TOP Scholarship.

Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunity

For many students, the biggest challenge isn’t ability—it’s affordability. This year, 18 of the 30 enrolled students received a scholarship from SJCE, and all of them received at least one industry-recognized certification. Another eight students received scholarships from Silicon Valley Clean Energy. The TOP Scholarship provides stipends to help cover basic living expenses, so students can stay focused on completing their training. With this support, students can:

  • Build hands-on technical skills
  • Gain real-world industry exposure
  • Prepare for entry into registered apprenticeship programs
  • Take the first step toward stable, long-term careers

This kind of investment makes a real difference by helping students complete the program, transition into the workforce, and start building careers that support their families and community.

Building the Workforce for a Clean Energy Future

As San José residents and businesses continue to electrify homes, buildings, and transportation, the demand for skilled workers is growing. Combined with SJCE’s electrification programs that offer rebates, incentives, and electrification education, having a workforce to meet the growing demand is essential. SJCE’s holistic approach to electrification recognizes that electricians, HVAC technicians, and other trades professionals are essential to making this transition possible. By supporting programs like TOP, SJCE is helping:

  • Create local job opportunities
  • Strengthen workforce pathways
  • Advance equity and access in the trades
  • Ensure our community is ready for a clean energy future

That’s why this effort is one of the four workforce development initiatives approved by City Council to expand access to high-quality training and careers in the growing electrification industry. SJCE engaged over 30 organizations while building the scholarship, including stakeholders from industry, labor unions, and construction trade associations, community colleges, non-profits, contractors, and more. Alongside the High Road Contractor Badge, the Electrification Training Equipment Grant, and the EcoHome Contractor Installation Bonus, this scholarship helps build the skilled workforce needed to support the City’s clean energy goals.

The scholarship also aligns with SJCE’s broader mission to reinvest in the community to deliver benefits that go beyond energy. By investing in workforce development through the TOP scholarship, we’re not only supporting today’s students—we’re helping build the skilled workforce needed to meet the energy demands of the future and power San José for years to come.