Solar Industry Readiness Pilot

The Solar Industry Readiness Pilot occurred on October 21, 22, 23, 2019 at Clackamas Community College's Renewable Energy Lab.  

Check out the short video of the training! 

Together with Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), Solar Energy International, Energy Trust of Oregon, Oregon Tradeswomen, and Remote Energy, the pilot training was developed to offer an introduction to Oregon's solar installer jobs which include material handler and two apprenticeship options - Limited Renewable Energy Technician and Electrician licenses. The training offered time in the classroom, hands-on training in the lab as well as a site visit with a solar installation crew in North Portland. There the students were able to get a feel for a job site and were able to ask the crew questions about their day-to-day, how they got into the industry and what it was like to work in solar.

The training went very well and we're excited to announce that Oregon Tradeswomen would like the training to be offered immediately following their 8-week program and Environmental Worker Trainings in 2020. Next year OSEIA, Solar Energy International, and Energy Trust of Oregon plan to work on building out a program shell, budgets, an instructor network and equipment needs, in addition to seeking funding. OSEIA is very excited about this opportunity to work with workforce trainers and communities to tailor solar energy education.