MREA has been awarded Accredited Training Provider for the PV Associate from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). An IREC credential is a nationally recognized mark of quality training in the clean energy industry. Students, employers, funders, and other stakeholders look for the IREC mark to find high-quality training that meets safety requirements and is aligned with industry needs.
“Receiving this IREC credential for our updated PV Associate program is meaningful to the MREA because it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to solar education that is focused on student success. This award validates that our curriculum, instructors, and processes have undergone intense third-party scrutiny and that we remain in good standing as recognized training providers in this dynamic industry,” states Jenny Heinzen, MREA Curriculum Director.

“The MREA has been providing renewable energy education since 1993 and has held IREC accreditation since 2010. Accreditation is vital because it allows us to offer courses and training that can be approved for national and local workforce development programs, continuing education credits, exam preparation, and other solar credentials.”
– Jenny Heinzen, MREA Curriculum Director
As one of the leading accrediting bodies for clean energy training in the United States, IREC’s high standards and rigorous application process require applicants to demonstrate a robust approach to quality in all major areas of training program operations. IREC has accredited over 200 clean energy and home energy performance training programs and has certified more than 100 clean energy instructors.

“High-quality training is one of the most important drivers of a strong clean energy workforce. Through IREC’s accreditation process, training providers demonstrate strong outcomes and a commitment to continuous improvement. We congratulate the MREA for meeting these rigorous standards and helping ensure that learners and employers can trust the training that prepares people for clean energy and energy efficiency careers.”
– Pagan Poggione, IREC Vice President Workforce Strategy and Innovation
As the clean energy economy grows rapidly, employers urgently need to locate and hire well-qualified workers. IREC credentials help job seekers locate high-quality training opportunities that prepare them to enter the clean energy workforce, and help employers identify quality training options for their staff.
Learn more about IREC credentialing and quality assurance at https://irecusa.org/clean-energy-training/credentials/

