The solar industry is booming, with more businesses, homeowners, and governments embracing renewable energy than ever before. As the demand for solar power continues to rise, so does the need for a skilled workforce capable of installing, maintaining, and improving solar energy systems. Recognizing this growing need, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has officially approved national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs in the solar industry, developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
What are registered apprenticeships?
Registered Apprenticeship programs are structured training programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs, recognized by the DOL, are designed to ensure that workers gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in specialized industries. By completing a Registered Apprenticeship, workers earn a nationally recognized credential, demonstrating their expertise in a particular field.
For the solar industry, these new apprenticeship guidelines offer a clear pathway for individuals looking to enter the clean energy workforce. They also help companies establish structured training programs that align with federal regulations and industry standards.
What do the new guidelines cover?
IREC and SEIA’s newly approved guidelines focus on the Construction Craft Laborer occupation within the solar industry. Construction Craft Laborers are essential workers on solar project sites, performing various mechanical tasks and assisting skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and operating engineers.
These guidelines provide a framework that solar companies, educational institutions, labor unions, and industry associations can use to develop high-quality apprenticeship programs. The goal is to create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the increasing demand for solar energy while ensuring worker safety, efficiency, and career growth.
Why are these guidelines important?
With over 280,000 workers already in the solar and energy storage industry, the demand for trained professionals is continuously growing. As more large-scale solar projects are developed, the need for a well-trained workforce becomes even more critical. The new apprenticeship guidelines serve several key purposes:
- Establishing Industry Standards: The guidelines provide consistency in training programs, ensuring that all apprentices receive high-quality education and hands-on experience.
- Enhancing Workforce Development: By creating a structured training pathway, these guidelines make it easier for individuals to enter and advance in the solar industry.
- Increasing Diversity and Accessibility: Registered Apprenticeships open doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, women, and underrepresented communities, to access high-quality training and career opportunities.
- Strengthening the Clean Energy Economy: A well-trained workforce ensures that solar projects are completed efficiently and safely, helping to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Support from industry leaders
Industry leaders and organizations have praised the development of these apprenticeship guidelines as a significant step toward building a stronger, more inclusive solar workforce.
“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 of 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.”
SEIA also emphasized the importance of these guidelines in helping the solar industry grow sustainably.
“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 Vice President 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.”
How will this benefit solar companies?
For solar companies, adopting Registered Apprenticeship programs based on these guidelines offers multiple benefits:
- Access to tax incentives: Solar construction projects larger than 1 megawatt (MW) that incorporate Registered Apprenticeships are eligible for enhanced tax credits, helping businesses save money while investing in workforce development.
- Attracting skilled workers: With an established training program in place, companies can attract and retain skilled workers, reducing labor shortages and improving project efficiency.
- Standardized training: Following national guidelines ensures that apprentices receive consistent, high-quality training, leading to better job performance and project outcomes.
- Workforce stability: By training workers internally, companies can build a reliable workforce that understands their processes, technology, and safety protocols.
Funding and partnerships
The development of these apprenticeship guidelines was made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets Network and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network.
The Solar Ready Vets Network focuses on helping military veterans transition into clean energy careers, while the ACE Network supports apprenticeship programs across various clean energy sectors. These initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to building a strong renewable energy workforce and supporting career opportunities in the industry.
Looking ahead: The future of solar workforce development
As the solar industry continues to expand, workforce development will remain a top priority. The approval of these apprenticeship guidelines is a major milestone in ensuring that the industry has the skilled labor force needed to meet growing energy demands.
Companies that adopt these guidelines will not only benefit from tax incentives and a trained workforce but also contribute to the broader goal of making solar energy a mainstream power source in the United States. With strong apprenticeship programs in place, the solar industry can continue to thrive, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and supporting the transition to a clean energy future.
By investing in structured training programs today, we are building the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable solar workforce for generations to come.