Jobs are finally starting to come back to California. The state, which is a leader in green technology, will be looking toward the future with a new set of employees.

The California Energy Commission awarded an $18.8 million contract to PECI, a provider of energy efficiency solutions throughout the west. PECI’s new program “EnergySmart Jobs”, will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and will develop new technologies, along with creating jobs.

The EnergySmart Jobs Program is expected to create more than 200 new jobs and provide job skills training for another 400 people. The program will start later this month and will last 18-months. People who will take part in the program will receive the necessary training to become a part of the expanding green workforce in the state.

“The EnergySmart Jobs Program will create long-term jobs and make a significant impact in generating energy savings within commercial refrigeration industries, helping to spur statewide sustainable change,” said PECI executive director Phil Welker.

Since 2009 ARRA has awarded $6.3 billion to states and local governments to support and develop greater energy efficiency products, according to the Recovery Act site.