Solar Training Initiative

SOLAR TRAINING INITIATIVE

CONTACT US
The solar training network logo shows two people standing next to each other in front of a sun.

Advancing new pathways to employment for parents and families with young children

The Solar Training Network is a new program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, and is designed to meet the workforce needs of the solar industry through solar training and strategic employment partnerships. NAWB is a key partner in this effort to train 75,000 people for careers in solar by 2020.

Learn about the Solar September campaign sponsored by NAWB and the Solar Training Network

Opportunities in Solar Energy

There are more than 260,000 workers employed by solar, and last year 1 out of every 50 new jobs created in the U.S. was a solar job. The Solar Training Network supports this growth by building connections that will create long-lasting careers to help power the next generation of energy leaders.

SolarTrainingUSA.org has been developed as a connection hub for solar job seekers, solar companies looking for new hires, solar training providers, and workforce development boards.
Solar training and hiring insights a solar training network research report

Research & Data

The Solar Training Network recently released Solar Training & Hiring Insights 2017, an in-depth report showcasing solar industry trends, employer preferences and case studies, the business case for investment in training, and a state-by-state index of demand for workforce development.

An estimated 34% of solar employers offer in-house on-the-job training programs, and new hires can advance from entry level to senior installer in just 6 to 12 months. Many employers value certifications such as the NABCEP Associates Exam prior to hiring, and job seekers with any experience in construction, roofing, or electrical installation are a natural fit for solar jobs. These statistics are valuable for educating job seekers about career opportunities in the solar industry.

Getting Involved

The SolarTrainingUSA.org website contains a directory of workforce boards, solar employers, and solar training providers. If you’re a local workforce board, you can help spur job creation in your community by bridging connections between job seekers and the hiring opportunities available in solar.

Business services representatives can use the directory to identify solar employers and engage them in dialogue about their hiring needs and other services they may require, while case managers can direct job seekers interested in solar careers to appropriate training providers and companies that are hiring.

Questions?

If you are interested in learning more about NAWB’s partnership with the Solar Training Network or how your board can get involved with this growing sector, contact Terri Bergman.


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