Tips For Registered Apprenticeship Packages For The US Photo voltaic Trade Authorised By DOL

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In a serious step towards strengthening the renewable power workforce, the US Division of Labor (DOL) has accredited nationwide tips for Registered Apprenticeship Packages within the photo voltaic trade. The brand new requirements, developed by the Interstate Renewable Vitality Council (IREC), the Photo voltaic Vitality Industries Affiliation (SEIA), and the Midwest Renewable Vitality Affiliation (MREA), purpose to create a structured and standardized pathway for coaching and certifying photo voltaic technicians throughout the nation.

“Apprenticeship packages that observe these tips will bolster the 280,000-strong photo voltaic and storage trade workforce by growing entry to high quality schooling and coaching. The photo voltaic and storage trade is rising by the day, and our workforce improvement instruments and techniques should develop too.” — Erika Symmonds, SEIA vice chairman of fairness and workforce improvement

The rules mark a essential milestone in addressing the rising demand for expert staff within the clear power sector. Because the US continues to broaden its photo voltaic power capability, trade consultants have warned of a widening expertise hole that would hinder progress. The Registered Apprenticeship Packages (RAPs) provide an answer by offering paid, hands-on coaching mixed with classroom instruction, guaranteeing that apprentices acquire the experience wanted for long-term careers in photo voltaic set up, upkeep, and associated fields.

“Registered Apprenticeships are one of the efficient methods for clear power corporations to construct a highly-trained, expert, and various workforce. IREC was happy to work with the photo voltaic trade to develop these tips that present photo voltaic corporations, and their coaching and academic companions, with an trade customary that may align with employee coaching packages.” — Richard Lawrence, Senior Director, Workforce and Trade Engagement at IREC

The newly accredited tips define competency-based coaching for key roles within the photo voltaic trade, akin to photo voltaic photovoltaic installers, system designers, and upkeep technicians. Employers who undertake these RAPs will acquire entry to a pipeline of well-trained staff, serving to to scale back labor shortages and enhance job high quality within the sector.

“IREC and SEIA’s new tips are for the DOL-recognized Development Craft Laborer apprenticeship occupation. Development Craft Laborer apprentices engaged on photo voltaic initiatives carry out mechanical duties and help different expert tradespeople on a venture web site, together with electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and working engineers.”

This initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s broader push to broaden renewable power infrastructure and create high-paying, union-supported jobs. The approval of those apprenticeship tips additionally displays ongoing efforts to make clear power careers extra accessible to underrepresented communities, together with girls, minorities, and veterans. The rules had been developed with funding from the US DOE’s Photo voltaic Prepared Vets Community and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clear Vitality Community.

With the photo voltaic trade projected to see important job development within the coming years, these nationwide apprenticeship requirements are anticipated to play a vital function in shaping the workforce of the longer term. Obtain the Nationwide Tips for Apprenticeship Requirements right here, or study extra about clear power apprenticeships right here.