The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has been awarded Training Provider Accreditation for six renewable energy programs from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). MREA is an accredited training provider for the following renewable energy programs: PV Associate, PV Installation, PV Technical Sales, PV Design Specialist, PV Installer Specialist, PV Commissioning and Maintenance.

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.

“Accreditation is vital to educational organizations like the MREA because it recognizes compliance with national standards in training and operations, and therefore allows our courses to be approved for professional credentialing programs, exam eligibility, and continuing education credits. To the outside world, it’s a stamp of approval regarding our competence and legitimacy,” said Jenny Heinzen, Curriculum Director for the MREA. “Equally important but less pronounced, the accreditation process assures that MREA instructors and staff work diligently to plan, execute, review, and continuously improve the training we provide. We’re focused on student success, and we strive to share knowledge, to open doors to meaningful careers, and to stay current with ever-evolving industry trends. Accreditation recognizes these efforts,”  Continued Heinzen. “Earning this five-year IREC award and expanding our Training Provider approval to all six solar programs makes it possible for us to offer course packages that align with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) credentials and certifications. And this, in turn, helps students to find MREA courses and programs that fit best with their professional goals.”

“IREC developed its accreditation program to recognize high-quality training opportunities and close the skills gap between education providers and industry needs,” said Cynthia Finley, IREC Vice President for Workforce Strategy and Innovation. “We congratulate the Midwest Renewable Energy Association for meeting the high standards required to achieve IREC accreditation.”

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. 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.