The USA’s Solar Ready Vets is growing, with Hill Air Force Base in Utah and Fort Drum in New York commencing participation this year.
The Solar Ready Vets program trains and connects US military veterans to the solar energy industry; preparing them for careers as solar power system installers, sales reps, system inspectors and other related occupations.
The inaugural New York-based class at Fort Drum began yesterday, with a goal of training up 125 workers this year.
“Soldiers and veterans have the experience and know-how to get the job done,” said New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “The dramatic growth of solar in New York is creating a demand for highly skilled workers.”
Colonel Bryan J. Laske, Fort Drum Garrison Commander, says military personnel have key skills crucial for success in technical environments.
“As Soldiers transition to future careers, the Solar Ready Vets program enhances our capacity to build on existing skill sets and provide more specific training to better enable a smooth entry into the current job market,” he said.
The Solar Vets program operates under the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative, which enables exiting military personnel to appropriate training in various fields up to six months prior to their separation.
In September 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative launched the pilot phase of the program and by early 2015, three military bases were participating.
In November last year, GRID Alternatives launched its Troops to Solar initiative, which is being supported by a 3-year, USD $750,000 grant from Wells Fargo and has a goal of training 1,000 men and women in total.
Last year, the Solar Ready Vets program trained more than 150 military personnel to enter the solar workforce – and every participant received a job offer upon graduating.
Deputy Secretary of Energy, Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, says the Solar Ready Vets team developed strong relationships with the solar industry over the course of last year.
The industry apparently hires more veterans than any other sector in America.
Leading employers in the solar industry, including SunEdison, have committed to interviewing successful graduating military trainees for employment.
