The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have received approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for national guidelines that will support registered apprenticeship programs for the solar industry.

IREC and SEIA’s guidelines, developed 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, offer a template geared for companies, educational institutions, associations, and labor unions to create high-quality apprenticeship programs that comply with federal regulations.

The guidelines are for the DOL-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship occupation. These 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.”

“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.”

Access more information and download the guidelines via SEIA’s recent press release.