### Unlocking the Potential of Apprenticeships in the Solar Industry
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the solar industry, then you already know it’s booming. Thanks to favorable legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), solar companies are expanding their workforces at a rapid pace. In fact, the latest **National Solar Jobs Census** shows over 15,000 new solar jobs were added in 2023, pushing the total workforce to an impressive 280,000. But, as solar continues to grow, the question becomes: how do we ensure there are enough well-trained workers to support this momentum? The answer lies in high-quality apprenticeship programs.
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### Why Apprenticeships Are Essential for Solar Growth
Apprenticeships have long been a staple in trades like construction and manufacturing, and their value extends to solar energy as well. These programs offer hands-on training, allowing workers to develop specialized skills while earning a paycheck. For solar companies, they are a win-win. Not only do apprenticeships ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers, but they also make employers eligible for tax incentives under the IRA. To put it simply, hiring apprentices isn’t just smart—it’s profitable.
The recently approved **National Guidelines for Registered Apprentices
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/01/30/guidelines-for-registered-solar-apprenticeship-programs-approved-by-department-of-labor/
