Turning Potential Into Power
MREA partners with HIRE360 for solar workforce training.
July 1, 2026
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is proud to partner with HIRE360 to deliver comprehensive solar workforce training for aspiring clean energy professionals in the Chicago area.
As a workforce intermediary, HIRE360 connects Illinois residents with paid training, apprenticeship opportunities, and careers in the union construction trades. Through this partnership, participants will receive industry-recognized solar education designed to prepare them for careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
Building Pathways into the Solar Workforce
The renewable energy industry continues to create new opportunities for skilled workers, and quality training is essential to meeting the growing demand. This customized training program combined classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and credential preparation to help participants build a strong foundation in photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Held at HIRE360’s Chicago training facility, the program provided 77.5 hours of instruction over two weeks, giving students the knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue careers in solar installation, design, and project development.
A Comprehensive Solar Training Experience
Participants progressed through a series of MREA’s accredited photovoltaic courses, including:
- Introduction to Solar Energy Work (PV 100) – Learn the fundamentals of solar electricity, workplace safety, tools, and career pathways in the solar industry.
- Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101) – Explore how PV systems operate, compare system types, and understand the components that power modern solar installations.
- PV Site Assessment (PV 201) – Develop the skills needed to evaluate residential solar sites, analyze shading, size systems, and assess energy production potential.
- PV System Design (PV 202) – Learn the step-by-step process of designing photovoltaic systems while applying electrical calculations, equipment selection, and code requirements.
- PV Labs and Design Scenarios (PV 304) – Reinforce classroom learning through hands-on installation and system design exercises using portable PV training equipment.
To further support student success, each participant also received educational tools and take-home learning materials, including a digital multimeter, solar educational kit, solar charger, and solar-powered car kit.
Preparing for Industry Credentials
Participants interested in earning their NABCEP PV Associate credential also had the opportunity to complete MREA’s online PV Exam Prep (PV 220) course and take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam.
The NABCEP PV Associate Credential is one of the industry’s leading entry-level credentials, demonstrating a strong understanding of photovoltaic technology and helping graduates stand out as they begin careers in renewable energy.
Expanding Access to Clean Energy Careers
Partnerships like this reflect MREA’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality renewable energy education while helping employers build a skilled workforce.
By working alongside organizations like HIRE360, MREA is helping remove barriers to careers in clean energy and ensuring more individuals have the opportunity to develop in-demand technical skills that support the energy transition.
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.