Solar Energy International (SEI) is pleased to announce the first graduating class as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) “Reach for the Sun” military solar training pilot program. This solar training program’s goal is to provide military personnel who are transitioning out of active duty with the technical skills needed to become leaders in the world’s clean energy economy.
Through the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN), SEI led the training program for 20 Marines and Sailors from Camp Pendleton through a four-week intensive training. The training consisted of classroom and hands-on training, which culminated in the participating military personnel taking the NABCEP PV Associate Exam
. In addition, a career day was held to connect the program participants to jobs, thus closing the loop from training to entering the renewable energy workforce. Vivint Solar, SolarCity, SunPower, SunEdison, and Sunrun each interviewed the participants and by the end of the day, many of our service members had job offers.
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There is a rapidly growing need for workers within the solar industry. The recent Solar Foundation report confirmed a job growth rate of over 21% since November 2013. There is a rapidly growing number of service members who are transitioning out of the military who are contributing to this rapid job growth in the solar industry. Over 10% of the solar energy workforce is made up of veterans which is more than double the national average for all other job categories. The Department of Energy (DOE), with its commitment to growing the solar industry by breaking down barriers to installation, wants to continue connecting veterans with the solar industry.
The transferable skills that our service members acquire while in the military make them ideal for the solar industry. “The Marines and Sailors in this first cohort have impressive backgrounds, including experience with generators and complex electrical systems, the infantry (who are used to working in hot, demanding conditions), logistics, and safety. And more importantly, they bring to the table an ability to work together as a cohesive team and stay focused on the mission,” stated Kathryn Swartz, Executive Director of SEI.
Solar City’s Marshall Smith, Operations Recruiting Manager, said, “After meeting with the 20 participants during our interviews, I pretty much wanted to make an offer to everyone of them. From the veterans we have hired in the past, we have witnessed a great drive, attitude, and ability to adapt. Those attributes are clear determining factors contributing to their success.”
SEI is honored to have been selected to provide the trainings at Camp Pendleton and Fort Carson (beginning in March 2015). “As an organization, SEI will continue to ensure that our active duty military personnel and veterans receive the very best possible training so they are truly prepared – not just for jobs, but for careers within the solar industry,” Swartz said.
Today’s graduation ceremony was led by Brigadier General Edward Banta, Commanding General of Camp Pendleton, and included remarks by Minh Le, head of the DOE’s Sunshot Initiative. The graduation ceremony was attended by many dignitaries from the government, military, and companies from the solar industry.
About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization. Our mission is to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. Why? Because we envision a world powered by renewable energy! If you share our vision, please consider becoming a member of SEI today!
Media Contact:
Christopher Turek
Director of Marketing and Alumni Relations
[email protected] / 970-527-7657 x115
