White House announces new solar workforce development program, led by The Solar Foundation

The White House on July 19th, 2016 announced a new program, led by The Solar Foundation, to help train more Americans for careers in the rapidly expanding solar workforce.

The USD 2.1 million program, known as the Solar Training Network, is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative under the Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) funding program.

75,000 people to be trained for careers in solar by 2020

The Solar Training Network will help build the infrastructure to meet President Obama’s 2015 commitment to train 75,000 people for careers in solar by 2020. The program will enhance and expand solar training resources and connect employers to qualified applicants.

For solar job seekers, the Solar Training Network will improve access to solar training, resources, and careers. For employers, it will increase the quality and diversity of the solar workforce and establish nationally consistent training standards.

“As the number of solar jobs increases dramatically each year, the Solar Training Network will help give job seekers the training opportunities they need, while helping employers gain access to qualified candidates,” said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation.

Program will meet the workforce needs of the solar industry for years to come

“A lot of great work has already been conducted by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the Department of Energy, and we look forward to building a sustainable program that will meet the workforce needs of the solar industry for years to come.”

Through the Solar Training Network, The Solar Foundation will build upon the successes of the Department of Energy’s Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN) program and prepare even more Americans for careers in solar.

A strategically selected team of national experts in solar energy training, workforce development, and industry will collaborate with The Solar Foundation on this program.

The Solar Training Network will also facilitate new research to increase understanding of the solar labor market, industry needs, costs, and potential savings associated with training the installation workforce.

The Solar Training Network is led by The Solar Foundation. The team also includes the American Association of Community Colleges, National Association of Workforce Boards, GRID Alternatives, Florida Solar Energy Center, Solar Energy International, and Solar Energy Industries Association