In October 2026, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) partnered with Employment Connection in St. Louis, Missouri, to help 20 participants explore new career opportunities in the growing solar industry.
Through customized, hands-on training, participants gained a foundation in solar electricity and photovoltaics while discovering what it takes to pursue a career in renewable energy. More than an introduction to solar technology, the program was an opportunity to build practical knowledge, strengthen confidence, and open doors to new possibilities in the clean energy workforce.
Breaking Down Barriers to Employment
Employment Connection works to break down barriers to self-sufficiency and build a stronger community. Since its founding in 1977, the St. Louis organization has helped individuals facing employment challenges access job training, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and supportive programming.
Serving nearly 2,000 individuals each year, Employment Connection helps people navigate barriers to employment and take meaningful steps toward greater economic stability.
MREA partnered with Employment Connection to extend those opportunities into the clean energy sector, introducing participants to an industry where new skills can lead to new career paths.
“Working with MREA was an excellent experience. The partnership provided participants with valuable exposure to the solar industry, hands-on learning opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the pathways available within the renewable energy sector. It also helped build confidence, increase industry awareness, and prepare participants for future careers in clean energy.”
– Shantel Towns, Manager, Green Jobs & Solar Panel Training Program, Employment Connection
The experience also reinforced the value of collaboration in making clean energy education more accessible.
“The training went well, and we had a really great turnout! Shantel is always wonderful to work with and does a fantastic job organizing the training and keeping everything running smoothly. We really appreciate our partnership with Employment Connection and the opportunity to work together to make clean energy training accessible to more people.”
– Greta Ladenthin, MREA Training Director
Customized Training. Real-World Skills. New Possibilities.
To meet participants’ needs, MREA delivered a 35-hour training program in October 2026 featuring its Introductory Solar Training Package, which includes PV 100: Introduction to Solar Energy Work and PV 101: Basic Photovoltaics.
Designed to go beyond a basic overview, the package expands MREA’s 100-level courses with additional instructional time and hands-on activities that help students connect foundational concepts to real-world applications. Participants explored the fundamentals of solar photovoltaic technology, learned about career opportunities across the industry, and began developing the knowledge needed to take their next steps toward a solar career.
The introductory curriculum can also serve as a starting point for learners interested in pursuing the NABCEP PV Associate credential, providing a pathway toward continued education and professional development in solar.
For MREA instructor Alex Jarvis, the training offered an opportunity to see that learning take shape firsthand.
The impact was equally clear to Employment Connection’s training team, which saw participants grow more confident and engaged as the program progressed.
For participant Johanna Jones, the training helped turn that interest into a clearer sense of direction.
“Shantel and the people at Employment Connections are working hard to support their students and this course. We had a good group of students who were very engaged and enthusiastic; Employment Connection is a great organization.”
– Alex Jarvis, MREA Instructor
“The training has helped me to better understand employment opportunities within the solar community. It has increased my knowledge, strengthened my confidence, and prepared me to pursue career opportunities in solar installation, construction, and renewable energy.”
– Johanna Jones, Training Participant
“One of the highlights was seeing participants become more confident as the training progressed and actively engage in hands-on learning activities. It was encouraging to watch individuals connect classroom concepts to real-world applications and begin envisioning careers in the clean energy field. The level of participation, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout the training was inspiring and demonstrated a strong interest in entering the growing renewable energy workforce.”
– Shantel Towns, Manager, Green Jobs & Solar Panel Training Program, Employment Connection
Building a Stronger Clean Energy Workforce
Expanding access to solar education means expanding access to opportunity. Through its partnership with Employment Connection, MREA helped participants build foundational skills, explore career pathways, and take a meaningful first step toward joining the clean energy workforce.
MREA looks forward to continuing its partnership with Employment Connection and working with organizations that share a commitment to accessible training, workforce development, and a stronger renewable energy future.
MREA Custom Group Training
MREA’s Customized Group Training delivers affordable, high-quality solar and renewable energy education tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether onboarding new hires, providing continuing education, or preparing municipal inspectors, we equip professionals with the skills and credentials to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy industry.
Training is available online, in-person at our Wisconsin facilities, on-site, or in hybrid formats, including hands-on labs. We also offer Illumination Solar’s Mobile Solar Training Labs, bringing practical, hands-on learning directly to you.
Interested in Customized Group Training? Fill out our interest form, explore our resources, and schedule a meeting with our Training Director to discuss your needs.