Dept. of Labor approves IREC and SEIA guidelines for solar apprenticeship programs

The Interstate Renewable Vitality Council (IREC) and Photo voltaic Vitality Industries Affiliation (SEIA) have obtained approval by the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) for national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs for the solar industry.

Nationwide Tips for Apprenticeship Requirements present a template that firms, instructional establishments, associations and labor unions can use to create high-quality apprenticeship packages that adjust to federal laws.

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 challenge web site, together with electricians, carpenters, ironworkers and working engineers.

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

IREC and SEIA — in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Vitality Affiliation (MREA) and trade consultants — developed the rules with funding from each the U.S. Division of Vitality’s Photo voltaic Prepared Vets Community and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clear Vitality (ACE) Community.

“Apprenticeship packages that comply with these tips will bolster the 280,000-strong photo voltaic and storage trade workforce by growing entry to high quality schooling and coaching,” stated Erika Symmonds, SEIA’s VP of fairness and workforce growth. “The photo voltaic and storage trade is rising by the day, and our workforce growth instruments and methods should develop too. We thank IREC and different companions for his or her collaboration.”

Registered Apprenticeship helps employees advance their careers and helps photo voltaic firms meet the demand for expert employees. Photo voltaic building initiatives bigger than 1 MW that incorporate Registered Apprenticeship of their workforce are eligible for enhanced tax credit.

Learn how to launch an apprenticeship program by connecting with Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network here.

Information merchandise from IREC