The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have received approval by the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) for national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs for the solar industry.
National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards provide a template that companies, educational institutions, associations and labor unions can use to create high-quality apprenticeship programs that comply with federal regulations.
IREC and SEIA’s new guidelines are for the DOL-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship occupation. Construction Craft Laborer apprentices working on solar projects perform mechanical tasks and assist other skilled tradespeople on a project site, including electricians, carpenters, ironworkers and operating engineers.
“Registered Apprenticeships are one of the most effective strategies for clean energy companies to build a highly-trained, skilled and diverse workforce,” said Richard Lawrence, Senior Director, Workforce and Industry Engagement at IREC. “IREC was pleased to work with the solar industry to develop these guidelines that provide solar companies, and their training and educational partners, with an industry standard that can align with worker training programs.”
IREC and SEIA — in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and industry experts — developed the guidelines with funding from both the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets Network and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network.
“Apprenticeship programs that follow these guidelines will bolster the 280,000-strong solar and storage industry workforce by increasing access to quality education and training,” said Erika Symmonds, SEIA’s VP of equity and workforce development. “The solar and storage industry is growing by the day, and our workforce development tools and strategies must grow too. We thank IREC and other partners for their collaboration.”
Registered Apprenticeship helps workers advance their careers and helps solar companies meet the demand for skilled workers. Solar construction projects larger than 1 MW that incorporate Registered Apprenticeship in their workforce are eligible for enhanced tax credits.
News item from IREC
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