Financial and Technical Resources for Companies Looking to get into the Green Energy Field
As the United States embarks on a historic shift towards renewable and clean energy sources, it faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities in skills training and workforce development, the likes of which have not been seen in over a century.
This pivotal moment not only demands a workforce skilled in clean energy technologies to execute major projects efficiently and safely but also opens the door to the creation of millions of durable, well-paying jobs. Furthermore, it offers a chance to forge new entry points into the clean energy sector, particularly through the expansion of apprenticeship programs.
Freedom Forever Launches Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Freedom Forever, a residential solar energy installer headquartered in California, has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor to launch Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs in Maine and Texas, with plans to expand to additional states. This initiative aims to provide consistent, high-quality training for electrical apprentices and other roles within the company, addressing the skilled labor shortage in the renewable energy industry. The programs are customized to meet individual state requirements and include comprehensive technical instruction and hands-on training, enhancing employee development and ensuring high standards of service. Matthew Markham, Director of Electrical Applications, emphasizes the long-term benefits of these apprenticeships, such as improved staff retention and leadership development. The company, which operates in over 34 states, also collaborates with various partners to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry.
From Desert Storm to Solar Surge: Building an Apprenticeship Program
Bud Pierce, the head of That Solar Company based in Springfield, Missouri, and a former U.S. Army electrician, is spearheading a new Registered Apprenticeship program aimed at addressing the skills shortage in the U.S. renewable energy sector. This four-year program, approved by the Department of Labor, combines traditional electrical training with specialized instruction in solar technology, adopting an earn-while-you-learn format. The program, which Pierce oversees using a curriculum by Mike Holt and virtual classes, is designed to prepare apprentices thoroughly for the physical and technical demands of solar installation work. Additionally, Pierce collaborates with IWSI America and leverages his military experience to promote detailed workmanship and recruit from diverse backgrounds, including low-income and veteran communities, enhancing the training culture within his company and the broader industry.
Financial Resources for Apprenticeship
Green energy contractors training registered apprentices can access tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act and additional funds to cover:
Apprentices’ wages
Assistance for apprentices (clothing, safety equipment, commuting, emergencies)
Compensation for trainers’ reduced productivity
Program management
Tuition for related technical instruction
Funding sources vary, and priorities should be evaluated before extensive searching. Funding applications are time-consuming, and many are rejected. Grantees are required to report on expenditures and progress, and sometimes using personal resources is more practical.
The main sources of apprenticeship funding include:
Federal government
State governments offering tax incentives and grants
Intermediaries like industry organizations that sometimes provide funds directly
Support is available from:
Apprenticeship Training Representatives in Office of Apprenticeship locations
State Apprenticeship Agencies and labor departments
Industry organizations and apprenticeship networks that can assist in finding funding and proposal preparation
Key resources:
Federal Resource Playbook for Registered Apprenticeship from the US Department of Labor
State apprenticeship and workforce development agencies
Useful links:
State Incentives to Promote and Support Apprenticeship
Reprinted with permission from the US Department of Labor, Chief Evaluation Office
The report examines how eight states utilize financial incentives to foster the growth of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs and meet specific objectives. It highlights the role of incentives such as state tax credits, subsidies, and funding for apprenticeship sponsors and related technical instruction providers to attract new employers, increase apprenticeships, expand into new industries, and reach targeted groups. The document reveals that while incentives are seen as beneficial for widening apprenticeship access, particularly to underrepresented and nontraditional sectors, challenges persist. These include lack of employer awareness, difficulties in attracting certain employers, limited marketing resources, and constraints of one-time funding on program completion. Additionally, it explores broader strategies like federal grants and technical assistance to support apprenticeships. The brief is part of a larger study funded by the Department of Labor to understand state apprenticeship systems' functionality in achieving expansion goals.
The Federal Resources Playbook for Registered Apprenticeship
Reprinted with permission from the US Department of Labor.
Apprenticeship is highlighted as a crucial pathway for workers to access the middle class and for employers to fulfill their skill requirements, supported by a range of federal funds and resources aimed at promoting high-skilled training opportunities. These include the Department of Labor's Workforce Development Funds, the Department of Agriculture's SNAP Education and Training Funds, the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid, the Department of Transportation's On-the-Job Training program, the Department of Veterans Affairs' educational assistance programs, and other resources provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This comprehensive guide serves as a resource for companies, educators, workforce professionals, and community organizations, offering information on making apprenticeships more accessible and affordable, strengthening partnerships between training providers and employers, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and supporting workers' entry and success in apprenticeships.
State Credits and Tuition Support
Reprinted with permission from the US Department of Labor.
The Apprenticeships USA web section on State Tax Credits and Tuition Support provides essential information for employers and apprentices about financial incentives available to promote apprenticeship programs. This section details the various state-level tax credits that businesses can avail themselves of for hiring apprentices, which can significantly reduce the cost of training and employing new workers. Additionally, it outlines the tuition support options available to apprentices, helping them to cover the costs of related instruction and education that accompany their on-the-job training. By navigating through this resource, users can find specific information tailored to their state, making it easier to understand how to leverage these financial incentives to support the growth of apprenticeship programs and reduce the financial burden on both employers and apprentices. This initiative aims to encourage more companies to adopt apprenticeship models and more individuals to pursue apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding path to skill development and career advancement.
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Regardless of your aim, be it implementing an accessable and sustainable employment pathway program, onboarding a new team, or reassessing your hiring methods to minimize potential obstacles, IWSI America can guide you to kick-start these processes with assurance. We look forward to working with any industry, government entity, or organization to accomplish these goals.