Solar Energy International rolling out mobile training program with Illumination Solar
Building the solar workforce requires more readily accessible, quality solar training. Renowned renewable energy education provider Solar Energy International (SEI) is teaming up with Illumination Solar to bring quality, hands-on solar training straight to communities across the United States via mobile solar labs.
The mobile solar lab is the brain child of Illumination Solar. This partnership will pair those mobile solar labs with SEI’s comprehensive in-person classroom curriculum — a powerful combination of theoretical knowledge and practical learning.
“By partnering with Illumination Solar, we’re breaking down traditional barriers to solar education,” said Chris Turek, Vice President of Marketing and Development at SEI. “This mobile training solution perfectly integrates with our industry-recognized solar training programs, allowing students to immediately apply classroom concepts with hands-on training in a practical setting when SEI travels to offer training throughout the United States and Internationally.”
Mobile solar lab
The mobile solar labs offer both grid-direct and battery-based systems that travel to where students are located, eliminating transportation barriers and expanding access to essential skills training. This approach particularly benefits communities that have historically faced challenges accessing quality solar education.
“At Illumination Solar, we believe hands-on learning is essential to building a skilled solar workforce,” said Nick Matthes, Creator and CEO of Illumination Solar. “Our Mobile Solar Training Labs empower education providers like SEI to bring professional training directly to communities, equipping students with real-world skills and job readiness.”
By partnering with SEI, Illumination Solar can expand access to this awesome mobile solar lab, and drive success (literally!) for training organizations, educational institutions, and students nationwide.
Solar workforce
The partnership launches at a crucial time as the solar industry continues to experience rapid growth and increased demand for skilled workers. This innovative approach to training helps ensure that the renewable energy workforce keeps pace with industry expansion while maintaining high standards of technical expertise.
As noted in our Building the Solar Workforce feature from 2024, SEI not only offers a curriculum that can be taken by an individual and paired with on-the-job training, but SEI also works with larger employers to build out comprehensive training programs via the SEI Engage program. SEI has also licensed its curriculum to community colleges, workforce training centers, and trade associations, with the goal of making consistent and thorough training widely available.
With online and in-person training options, SEI can help both complete beginners and more experienced workers. “Right now, it’s about a 50:50 split of students having no connection to the solar industry yet and already actively working in the solar industry,” Turek said.
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