U.S. Department of Labor Approves National Apprenticeship Guidelines for the Solar Industry

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have secured approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for national guidelines on Registered Apprenticeship programs in the solar industry.

These National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards serve as a framework for companies, educational institutions, associations, and labor unions to develop apprenticeship programs that meet federal requirements.

IREC and SEIA’s newly approved guidelines apply to the DOL-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship. Apprentices in this role support solar project installations by performing mechanical tasks and assisting skilled tradespeople, 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.”