Johnson Controls, an international building equipment company, also offered classes inside the prison. There, Robinson had the opportunity to turn his attention to the energy sector for the first time, working on refrigeration, heating and air conditioning equipment. Johnson Controls employed several people released from prison, including Robinson.
After working there for Connection Training Services, another organization that offers apprenticeship programs, he came to the equity-focused nonprofit housed in a sprawling warehouse in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. Where Civil War uniforms were once sewn, a life-sized roof is placed on the floor so students can practice installing solar panels, and exposed piping is displayed on the walls of the maze. .
Robinson, 59, led the group into a back classroom to study circuits, jingling his keys and tapping his cane gently on the wooden floor. On the wall above the window is a quote by Benjamin Franklin that Robinson says is one of his favorites. “Those who do business own real estate.”
That speaks to why he wanted to teach these skills. “It changes the economic structure of his entire family,” he said. “As people in the community make more money, the standard of the community goes up. We improve the housing and everything that’s going on.”
That’s the dream of Quenton McClellan, 61, who heard about the training from a labor consultant with Narcotics Anonymous. He struggled with alcohol and drug abuse while working as a bartender. “I was drinking an awful lot…I took a long hard look at myself and went to get help,” he said.
McClellan has now been drug and alcohol free for two years. “I feel good, because now I can think. I couldn’t even think before. And it’s just a great feeling…I want to learn. I want to move forward.” McClellan said the students He says they look out for each other in a way no one has ever looked out for him before.
He is certified to install heat pumps, which are a climate-friendly alternative to old furnaces and air conditioners.
“These types of workers are absolutely and desperately needed right now,” said Bob Keefe, executive director of Environment Entrepreneurs (also known as E2), a nonpartisan business group that advocates for clean energy. There is a high demand for organizations that can train them.” .
Keefe said the Anti-Inflation Act of 2022, which includes tax credits for heat pumps, solar panels and clean energy manufacturing incentives, is expected to create more than 109,000 new jobs. Heat pumps can be installed anywhere, creating a need for workers in every state.
“A few years ago, when I tried to install a heat pump in my house, I couldn’t even find a contractor who knew how to do it. I ended up having to do it myself,” he said.
While teaching a lesson on this type of heating and air conditioning installation, Robinson notes several students in the back of the room on his cell phone, making a mental note to contact them later. I’ll leave it. He frequently emails and checks in with his students to provide guidance and life advice, he said.
The Energy Regulatory Agency trains more than 200 people each year as building analysts, solar panel installers, and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians. With grant funding, we offer our classes free of charge. Low-income residents in the neighborhood can also come to pay their utility bills and get advice about their household finances.
Robinson said it’s fulfilling to see students who previously felt “left behind” start their careers and support their families.
“This work of mine is really my legacy. I know how to do something and I can pass it on to the next generation and we can make a living from it and create generational wealth.” “We learned that we can increase
