Workforce Development Training

Workforce Training

For years, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has partnered with workforce development organizations across the Midwest to create accessible pathways into the growing clean energy industry. Through collaborations with programs such as HIRE360, IMPACT Community Action, Employment Connection, and many other community-based organizations, MREA has delivered hands-on solar and renewable energy training that prepares participants for entry-level careers, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials.

Our programs combine technical instruction, practical skill-building, and career exploration to help individuals from diverse backgrounds gain the confidence and competencies needed to enter the clean energy workforce and support the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

PV 120

Introductory Solar Training Package (PV 120)

Starting price: $17,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)

The Introductory Solar Training Package is a five-day, in-person program designed to prepare participants for entry into the solar industry. Through a blend of engaging classroom instruction and hands-on activities, students develop a solid understanding of solar PV fundamentals while gaining practical skills and confidence. Participants complete five courses (PV 100, PV 101, PV 150, PV 201, and PV 202) over five 7-hour days, totaling 35 hours of instruction.

Includes:

One MREA Instructor per cohort
Textbook
Printed course materials
Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
Take-home student activities

Program highlights:

Explore careers and pathways in the solar industry
Participate in hands-on solar skill-building activities
Learn the fundamentals of solar energy and electricity
Understand worksite and electrical safety best practices
Conduct basic solar site assessments
Gain an introduction to PV system design concepts

Suggested Audiences:

Individuals exploring careers in the solar industry
Community members interested in renewable energy
Workforce development and pre-apprenticeship participants
Adult learners seeking foundational solar knowledge
High school and technical education students
Career and technical education (CTE) programs

PV 255

PV Associate Core Course Package IN-PERSON (PV 255)

Starting price: $25,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)

The PV Associate Core Course IN-PERSON Package is MREA’s most accelerated pathway to NABCEP PV Associate credentialing, designed for participants who already have experience in the electrical, construction, or skilled trades. This intensive program builds on existing technical knowledge to quickly develop the competencies needed for careers in solar installation, design, and commissioning. Ideal for apprenticeship programs, electrical training providers, contractors, and workforce development organizations, the curriculum moves at an expedited pace while preparing participants to pursue the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential and advance into the growing solar workforce.

Includes:

Two MREA Instructors per cohort
Textbook
Printed course materials
Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
Paper and Pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam

Program highlights:

MREA’s fastest pathway to NABCEP PV Associate credentialing
Designed for experienced tradespeople and electrical professionals
Accelerated training focused on real-world applications
Prepares participants for the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Exam
Builds on existing electrical and construction knowledge
Ideal for pre-apprenticeship, upskilling, and workforce transition programs

Suggested Audiences:

Licensed electricians and electrical apprentices
Skilled trades professionals
Electrical and construction contractors
Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
Technical colleges and electrical education programs
Workforce development organizations serving experienced tradespeople

PV 320

Solar Training Academy (PV 320)

Starting price: $40,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)

The Solar Training Academy is MREA’s most comprehensive workforce development program, designed to prepare participants for successful careers in the solar industry. This intensive, 80-hour training combines foundational solar PV education with hands-on lab activities, exam preparation, and the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) paper-and-pencil exam. Delivered over two weeks, the Academy provides a deliberate, supportive learning experience that builds technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry confidence. It is ideal for workforce development organizations, community colleges, and community-based organizations seeking a proven pathway from training to employment.

Includes:

Two MREA Instructors per cohort
Textbook
Printed course materials
Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
Paper and Pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam
Take-home student activities

Program highlights:

Comprehensive 80-hour solar workforce training program
Hands-on lab activities using industry-standard equipment
Covers PV fundamentals, safety, system design, installation, and commissioning
Dedicated NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) exam preparation
Includes the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) paper-and-pencil exam
Supports career readiness with employability and industry awareness
Designed for workforce development and career transition programs

Suggested Audiences:

Workforce development organizations
Community action agencies
Community and technical colleges
Pre-apprenticeship and career pathway programs
Veterans’ transition programs
Individuals seeking to enter the solar workforce with little or no prior experience

Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway

MREA has partnered with Cam Services to help participants transition from training into registered apprenticeship and employment opportunities. Graduates of the Solar Training Academy may receive credit for the SPV2 – Introduction to Solar portion of the Cam Services apprenticeship program, giving them a head start toward apprenticeship completion. Together, MREA and Cam Services are creating a seamless pathway from classroom training to apprenticeship and employment by connecting graduates with industry partners and employer networks.

Mobile Solar Training Labs Available

The MREA is proud to partner with Illumination Solar Training Systems to offer the opportunity to purchase a Mobile Solar Training Lab (MSTL) for your custom group training. Grounded in real-world application and industry relevance, the MSTL delivers comprehensive and practical solar education directly to your students, offering them hands-on experience in building a solar array and wiring it to both a battery-based and grid-tied system.

Ready To Train Your Group?

Each training is priced individually based on course offerings, training schedule, travel expenses, and the cost of materials. The MREA Training Team is happy to discuss your customized training needs. It is helpful if you come prepared with the following information:

Fill out our Interest Form!

Which MREA courses are you interested in offering?

How many students do you have and what is their experience level?

What will the training schedule be? Example: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have a classroom we can use, or do we need to find one?

Do you have a group of students ready to go or will you be recruiting for the program?