Creating a Viable Workforce through Apprenticeships for the Solar Industry
A Growing Industry
The solar energy industry is experiencing tremendous growth. As a power source, solar rivals other energy industry players and is an essential part of the clean energy economy. Projects are widespread across the country, but finding and maintaining the skilled workforce to complete green energy projects is a challenging prospect for employers.
Job positions need to be filled with skilled craftsmen to build and maintain projects. Because a solar installer is not currently an “apprenticeship” occupation, some companies are taking the opportunity to hire or train craftsmen from other trades (i.e., electrical and maintenance) to fill the skills gap. Having these skilled craftsmen on an employer’s workforce adds stability and credibility to any solar installation project.
A Workforce in High Demand
In 2022, the National Solar Jobs Census conducted its 14th annual survey. When employers were asked about filling job positions, 44 percent of solar industry respondents said it was “very difficult” to find qualified applicants. Finding skilled talent is not an easy prospect. The good news is there are creative ways to fill these positions.
Employers are finding Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) to be a key strategy in the development and retention of a skilled workforce for these firms. A RAP is a customizable training model developed by the industry and validated by a state apprenticeship agency or the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), usually consisting of 2,000 hours minimum per year of on-the-job (OJL) learning and 144 hours per year of technical instruction.
For solar installation companies, customized RAP options have been created by building solar content into apprenticeship curriculum for construction and electrical trade programs. These programs are paid apprenticeships from the first day on the job, allowing workers to earn at least an entry-level salary.
Apprenticeship and Training Programs
Solar installation companies, and companies that have procured solar installation contracts, are turning to organizations like NCCER to assist in apprenticeship craft training programs to prepare a highly skilled workforce.
NCCER’s recently updated Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installer and Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics (2nd edition) curriculum offer companies the added resources to train and retain skilled craftsmen. The curriculum includes green energy topics like Alternative Energy, Introduction to the Power Industry, and Wind Turbine Maintenance.
Large-scale solar projects, such as that being undertaken by McCarthy Building Companies Inc. in Arizona and Texas, utilize a RAP approach. McCarthy has four separate projects the company is focused on, two in each state, creating more than 800 new solar construction jobs. Of the 800 positions, 200 are set to be mechanical, electrical and equipment operator apprenticeships. These apprenticeships are designed to incorporate new skills that adapt to the solar industry.
In November of 2022, Moss Construction, based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, began its first solar installer apprenticeship with 20 associates and anticipated growing the program substantially in just a few years.
Spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed earlier in the year, Moss wisely anticipated a growing solar industry market. By creating an apprenticeship program, they are developing a stable, reliable workforce with career-minded, highly skilled individuals. Moss apprentices receive 288 hours of technical training, which coincides with 4,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training.
Filling the Need – Utilizing Eligible Workforce
Opportunities in the solar industry exist for job seekers who come from all walks of life. Employers can benefit from taking a look at a broad range of candidates — from first time job seekers to more seasoned candidates. Currently, only one-third of jobs in the solar sector require a bachelor’s degree. Having a degree or post-secondary education is not a prerequisite for entering the industry.
Companies have found success when looking to hire in several demographic areas. Hispanic and Latino workers have made strong inroads into the solar sector making up 20 percent of the workforce as compared to 18 percent in the nationwide job force.
Employers continue to look to military veterans to fill positions in the solar industry. Eight percent of solar workers are veterans, compared to 6 percent in the overall workforce. Veterans bring with them technical and leadership skills learned while serving the country that makes them a good fit for entry-level or advanced positions.
Women and Black workers are two under-utilized labor considerations. Forty-seven percent of the overall national workforce are women, however, in the solar industry women account for 30 percent of the workforce in 2021. Black workers are also under-represented with 8 percent in the industry, and 12 percent of the U.S. workforce.
Employees who have existing skill sets that include equipment operation, mechanical or electrical craft work lend themselves to upskilling in an apprenticeship program. These skills are natural fits for green energy projects.
Success Story – CTE Programs
In rural West Central Virginia, recognized for its coal mining industry, 10 high school students were selected in the summer of 2022, to take part in the inaugural solar installer apprenticeship program. The program is a multi-partnership between Mountain Empire Community College, Big Stone Gap, VA and two solar power companies — Secure Futures Solar, Staunton, VA and Got Electric based in Harrisonburg, VA.
The apprenticeship program, called Securing Solar in Southwest Virginia, is part of an economic development initiative in Virginia. As part of the program, the students trained in the classroom and installed working rooftop solar panels on public schools in Lee and Wise County, Virginia. The students were paid as working apprentices and at the end of the program students were offered ongoing positions with Got Electric.
Options and Opportunities
Programs like these are cropping up around the country providing job seekers career options and companies the opportunity to build a qualified, stable workforce through apprenticeship, recruitment and training. The federal government and some states now offer financial incentives, such as tax credits or subsidies, helping companies offset the costs to run the programs.
To find out how your business can benefit from an apprenticeship program contact NCCER’s workforce development team.