Guidelines For Registered Apprenticeship Programs For The US Solar Industry Approved By DOL – CleanTechnica

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In a major step toward strengthening the renewable energy workforce, the US Department of Labor (DOL) has approved national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the solar industry. The new standards, developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), aim to create a structured and standardized pathway for training and certifying solar technicians across the country.

“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. The solar and storage industry is growing by the day, and our workforce development tools and strategies must grow too.” — Erika Symmonds, SEIA vice president of equity and workforce development

The guidelines mark a critical milestone in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the clean energy sector. As the US continues to expand its solar energy capacity, industry experts have warned of a widening skills gap that could hinder progress. The Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) offer a solution by providing paid, hands-on training combined with classroom instruction, ensuring that apprentices gain the expertise needed for long-term careers in solar installation, maintenance, and related fields.

“Registered Apprenticeships are one of the most effective strategies for clean energy companies to build a highly-trained, skilled, and diverse workforce. 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.” — Richard Lawrence, Senior Director, Workforce and Industry Engagement at IREC

The newly approved guidelines outline competency-based training for key roles in the solar industry, such as solar photovoltaic installers, system designers, and maintenance technicians. Employers who adopt these RAPs will gain access to a pipeline of well-trained workers, helping to reduce labor shortages and improve job quality in the sector.

“IREC and SEIA’s new guidelines are for the DOL-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship occupation. Construction Craft Laborer apprentices working on solar projects perform mechanical tasks and assist other skilled tradespeople on a project site, including electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and operating engineers.”

This initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s broader push to expand renewable energy infrastructure and create high-paying, union-supported jobs. The approval of these apprenticeship guidelines also reflects ongoing efforts to make clean energy careers more accessible to underrepresented communities, including women, minorities, and veterans. The guidelines were developed with funding from the US DOE’s Solar Ready Vets Network and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clean Energy Network.

With the solar industry projected to see significant job growth in the coming years, these national apprenticeship standards are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the workforce of the future. Download the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards here, or learn more about clean energy apprenticeships here.