Free Solar Training Programs!
Solar States partners with workforce development partners to provide free solar training to programs for Philadelphians of any background! Our paid training programs prepare you for a career in solar energy, and you don’t need any experience in solar to join!
NEW: Our Find Your Ladder program is a PAID training program hosted in our Bridesburg Warehouse. At this time, all planned programs have commenced. Follow the link to request more info and submit your name for the waitlist for new 2024 programming. Join Solar States EDU mailing list for updates.
Information on upcoming Training Programs
OIC - SETT Program - 8 weeks
Contact Philadelphia OIC for more information.
The next classes are scheduled for July/August 2024.
Philadelphia OIC’s free and paid 8-week SETT Program trains young adults 18+ from low-income and minority communities for lasting careers in the Energy industry. Students receive hands-on training from industry experts and gain certifications in core competencies within the Solar Energy field such as Wire Management, Field Made Connector Fabrication as well as Roof Flashing Installation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are a plus!
- Minimum Age of 18
- Copy of High School Diploma/GED or college transcripts
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds
- Able to climb an extension ladder
- Complete a reading and math test
Certifications Offered
- OSHA 10
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
PowerCorps PHL - 8 weeks (with options for longer training)
Contact PowerCorps for information on the upcoming programs. Enrollment is ongoing and the next solar training program is slated for July/August 2024.
For interested candidates looking to get to work while waiting for solar training, PowercorpsPHL offers a 4-to-18 month paid workforce development program that uses environmental service to teach career and technical skills. Interested participants will gain the opportunity to develop the skills to become environmental stewards, secure meaningful work, and become civically engaged members of their community.
The program is free with a living stipend.
Apply to PowerCorps PHL if you are:
- Looking to connect to careers
- Interested in improving the community
- Re-entering
- Eager for growth
- Unemployed or Underemployed
- 18-30 years old
- Living in Philly
- Have a HS diploma or GED
Certifications Offered:
- OSHA 10
- First Aid / CPR
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
JobCorps PHL - 10 weeks
JobCorps offers hands-on career training, along with classes in general academics, like reading and math. Students will also work on career success standards like workplace relationships, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, career and personal planning, and an approach to continuous learning.
Throughout the training, students will receive a biweekly basic living allowance. As training progresses, living allowance will increase.
Contact Philadelphia JobCorps directly for more information.
Eligibility:
Low-income 16- through 24-year-olds who are U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, or residents of a U.S. territory, and/or individuals who are authorized to work in the United States.
ECA - Solar Training Lab
No scheduled dates at this time.
Free, 6-week program for young adults hosted at Energy Conservation Association (ECA) – 106 W. Clearfield St, Philadelphia PA 19133
Certifications Offered:
- OSHA 10
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential – recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
Grateful for our educational partners..
Solar States would like to thank PECO for generously funding our training programs with the Philadelphia OIC. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, PowerCorps PHL, Youth Build Philly, the ECA, the School District of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia OIC for assisting in creating dynamic solar learning environments. We would also like to thank the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
NABCEP-Certified Training Provider
Solar States is NABCEP’s first ever Accredited Training Company. This stamp enables Solar States to administer NABCEP exams for new students and current employees, an important step in our mission to provide safe, fair and accurate training for the renewable energy workforce.
Apply for job training
From PowerCorps PHL to Crew Lead
Grads turned Employees
Marks show their current neighborhood and program they graduated from. Many of our longest-tenured employees came through these programs. And when you work for Solar States you get FULL benefits – 401k, healthcare, paid time off, the works.
From PowerCorps PHL to Master Electrician
'What advice would you give to somebody who's considering joining PowerCorps?'
PowerCorps is a program that will give you the tools you need to succeed if you let it, what you put into the program with time and effort you will receive in experience and resolve.
Interested in providing solar training?
In collaboration with the Philadelphia Energy Authority and other partners, we designed the Bright Solar Futures curriculum, a 3-year, 1080-hour solar energy Career and Technical Education (CTE) vocational program. “The first of its kind in the nation, the program trains students in solar and battery storage installation, design, sales, weatherization, construction basics, and job site safety.”
The ENTIRE curriculum is available for download online.
From PowerCorps PHL to....anywhere
Apply for a program
Some Advice: ``Just start.``
