Training for the Lithium Industry: A Rough Start

Imperial Valley College initiated a program aimed at training students for careers in the emerging lithium industry. This initiative seemed promising when Corban Dillon joined, hoping to secure a career in this field. However, after completing his certification in spring 2024, lithium-related jobs were scarce. Dillon enrolled in two more related programs, but jobs in lithium extraction, vital for batteries needed in the nation’s transition to clean energy, remained limited.

Corban Dillon, at 41, expressed concerns saying, “Many of us have jobs or families and are juggling responsibilities while seeking certification. It’s challenging to keep going without potential employment opportunities.” This situation highlights a common issue faced by community colleges when a new industry pledges jobs. Locals desire the new opportunities, companies claim they want to hire locally, but demand further skills and training.

Community Colleges and Emerging Industries

Schools like Imperial Valley College must decide the optimal timing to launch programs that prepare students before skilled outsiders fill anticipated new positions. The college, currently scaling back its lithium programs due to job market uncertainty, illustrates the difficulties in preparing students for emerging fields. Betony Jones, from UC Berkeley Labor Center’s green economy program, noted the challenge is widespread across fields influenced by political and economic factors, including solar and advanced manufacturing, both requiring postsecondary credentials.

Jones remarked, “Employers require workers for projects immediately but can’t start training them when needed. Conversely, workers can’t train and wait idly.”

High Stakes in Imperial County

Imperial County, known for farming, faces high poverty and unemployment rates. Its unemployment rate stood at 16.9% in March, more than thrice that of neighboring counties. Priscilla Lopez, director of workforce and economic development, noted that locals often feel they must leave for better prospects, “The mentality here is: If we want a future or good job, leaving the valley seems necessary.”

Local attention pivoted to lithium jobs as three companies started exploring lithium reserves in the region about a decade ago. Dubbed “Lithium Valley,” Berkshire Hathaway Energy Renewables planned to start commercial extraction by 2026. However, BHE Renewables has just completed its demonstration plant.

Jim Turner, president of another company, Controlled Thermal Resources, stated they are currently raising funds with projections marking lithium extraction jobs roughly two years away.

Education Drives for Lithium Prosperity

Imperial Valley College and San Diego State’s satellite campus quickly mobilized after news of a potential lithium boom. San Diego State invested $80 million in state funds to establish a STEM campus focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. New undergraduate programs in electrical engineering and chemistry aim to fulfill local industry needs in geothermal and lithium.

Imperial Valley College, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, offers the Lithium Industry Force Training program, offering three certificates: plant operator, chemical lab technician, and instrumentation technician. Completion of these certificates promises a quick entry into the lithium sector. Promotional videos boldly posed the question, “Are you ready to launch your career in the booming lithium industry?”

Local residents, hungry for stable jobs nearby, responded enthusiastically.

Challenges and Hopes Amidst Delayed Progress

A 2024 lawsuit by environmental groups delayed industry timelines. Political and market shifts also impacted the situation. The lawsuit accused officials of underestimating environmental effects, like water pollution and health concerns, posed by Controlled Thermal Resources’ project. Although dismissed by the court last year, the environmental groups appealed.

The Trump administration’s removal of electric vehicle incentives redirected focus to alternative states like Arkansas and Nevada for lithium projects. One local company shifted focus to data centers amid changing circumstances.

Imperial Valley College will graduate its third year of industry-trained students soon. Lennor Johnson from Imperial Community College District shared their initial plans to synchronize with industry progress, “We expected full operation in Lithium Valley by now.”

173 students enrolled in certification programs since fall 2023, with 42 completing their certificates and 57 currently enrolled. By fall 2025, 16 secured jobs directly linked to their certification. Due to industry forecasts, Imperial Valley College will adjust the number of students in each cohort and pause two certificate programs in the next year, planning their return for 2027-28.

Prieto remains optimistic his certificate will benefit him in other industries. While Dillon believes in the substantial lithium reserves beneath Imperial County, resulting in eventual industry growth. In April, he secured a job with a mining company offering good pay, benefits, onsite provisions, and transport. The catch: The job is outside Imperial County.