WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has approved national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs in the solar industry, developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

These National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards serve as a framework for companies, educational institutions, and labor unions to establish high-quality apprenticeship programs that comply with federal regulations.

IREC and SEIA’s guidelines specifically apply to the DOL-recognized Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship. Workers in this role perform mechanical tasks and support skilled trades such as electricians, carpenters, ironworkers, and operating engineers on solar project sites.

“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.”

Industry Collaboration & Workforce Development

The guidelines were developed through a partnership between IREC, SEIA, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), and industry experts, with funding from both the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets Network and the DOL’s Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network.

“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.”

Benefits for Solar Companies & Workers

Registered Apprenticeships offer structured training that helps workers advance their careers while allowing solar companies to meet the growing demand for skilled labor. Additionally, solar construction projects larger than 1 megawatt that incorporate Registered Apprenticeship programs are eligible for enhanced tax credits.

For more details on the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards or to learn how to launch an apprenticeship program, visit the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network.