Five years ago, after losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jalila Al-Khalil found an unexpected path into New Jersey’s growing clean energy industry. Today, she’s still building that career — proof of how the Clean Energy Jobs Program can help open doors to long-term opportunities in clean energy.
A former banking and finance professional, Jalila joined the first-ever cohort of the PSE&G-sponsored Clean Energy Jobs Program’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program at the recommendation of her labor representative. The program helps prepare New Jersey residents for careers in the growing clean energy industry through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work experience.
I wasn’t searching for a role in energy efficiency.
It wasn’t something I knew much about, but my labor representative looked at my resume and thought I would be a good fit.
I will forever be indebted to her.”
– Jalila Al-Khalil
What followed was more than a new job. It was the start of a career in clean energy that continues to challenge and inspire her nearly five years later.
Today, Jalila is still working in New Jersey’s clean energy industry, including the past four years with TRC Companies, under subcontractor The JPI Group, where she has advanced from a Project Coordinator to an Energy Efficiency Adviser.
How did the Clean Energy Jobs Program help Jalila build a career?
During her time with the OJT Program, Jalila receieved hands-on training experience with an employer in the clean-energy sector alongside classroom learning in various professional development courses, including communication, customer service, leadership and more. Along the way, she also earned OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 workplace safety certifications, and a Building Science Principles certification that prepared her for work supporting energy efficiency projects.
After completing the program, Jalila began working as a Project Coordinator supporting PSE&G’s energy efficiency programs. She spent her first year in the industry working with one contractor before transitioning to her current role with TRC Companies. In the Project Coordinator role, Jalila helped support energy efficiency projects while building on the industry learning she received during her training.
That experience gave Jalila an opportunity to grow in ways she hadn’t expected. For someone whose previous experience had largely been behind the scenes, that growth became especially clear as her role within the company evolved.
Building a long-term career
Today, Jalila is an Energy Efficiency Adviser (EEA) at TRC, where she works directly with contractors participating in PSE&G’s energy efficiency programs, helping them navigate program requirements and supporting projects from application through completion.
As a trusted resource for contractors, Jalila is the frontline person if they have any questions. She manages their projects and makes sure they’re moving through the pipeline. For Jalila, the role has also brought new challenges and opportunities for growth.
I had never had a client-facing position until I became an EEA. Every day I’m stretched out of my comfort zone, and that, for me, is a great part of growth.”
The impact of opportunity
Five years after joining the inaugural OJT cohort, Jalila’s journey shows how a mix of hands-on experience, continuous learning and the right opportunity can open the door to a long-term career in the growing clean energy industry.
Her experience also reflects a broader goal of the Clean Energy Jobs Program: investing in people and creating meaningful career opportunities while helping build the skilled workforce needed to support New Jersey’s clean energy future.
What began as a chance to enter a new industry became an opportunity to build new skills, take on new challenges and grow into a role she enjoys today.
About the Clean Energy Jobs Program
Jalila is one of thousands of New Jersey residents whose careers have been supported through the Clean Energy Jobs Program.
Since its inception in 2020, the Clean Energy Jobs Program has supported more than 11,000 clean energy careers in New Jersey, building and upskilling the workforce needed to deliver energy efficiency projects and help serve the people and communities across New Jersey.
Interested in a career in clean energy? Learn more about the Clean Energy Jobs Program at pseg.com/CleanEnergyJobs or explore available opportunities through the Clean Energy Jobs Partnership career portal.
