Q. Connecticut Business & Industry Association, in conjunction with three Connecticut community colleges, is offering free training programs to help workers expand their skills and knowledge and prepare them for new careers in one of the fastest-growing green industries — solar photovoltaics (PV). What made CBIA select this industry in particular?
A. We chose this industry for several reasons. First, solar energy is a growing industry in Connecticut, as evidenced by a baseline study commissioned by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. The study looked at renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs in Connecticut, documenting the numbers of related jobs, salary ranges and the skills required. We hope to provide the needed skills for individuals to find and retain employment in this field as well as to build internal training capacity in the state’s community colleges.
There is very little related training available in Connecticut, and much of it is provided by out-of-state vendors. The training that CBIA and the Connecticut Community Colleges are offering fills a real need and is aligned with a nationally recognized skills standard.
We believe that in the near future, national skills standards will be issued for all solar training programs.
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Q. Are these training programs already in place at the community colleges? Is that how Gateway Community College in North Haven, Middlesex Community College in Middletown, and Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury were selected?
A. Currently, Gateway Community College is the only college offering related training. Naugatuck Valley and Middlesex community colleges were planning to implement a similar program, which would greatly expand the availability of this type of training in Connecticut. What we have done is substantially enhance the training program so that it includes skill assessments, more hands-on components, and stronger academic support for students. It is also important to note that this program is a unique collaborative effort between state agencies, the Workforce Investment Boards, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, CBIA and the Connecticut Community College System.
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Q. Is there a risk of training people for careers that may not be sustainable? Won’t there be a finite number of people interested in using solar photovoltaics, or is there room for growth?
A. In the last two years, the solar industry in Connecticut and throughout the nation has grown and is projected to grow into the future. We recognize that federal and state incentives have supported the industry, but as the need to decrease our dependency on foreign oil and fossil fuel grows, the solar industry will provide a source of clean energy. The future generation of consumers will begin to look at solar PV as desirable and the norm rather than the exception.
In addition, this training adds to a portfolio of skills needed in a variety of jobs, such as electrical contracting, marketing, and public relations. There is no one career path in the industry; there are a number of jobs for which this training is applicable.
Lastly, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund strongly encourages the adoption of national skill standards within solar training programs and recommends that every Connecticut solar company, to be considered one of CCEF’s eligible vendors, have at least one individual that is entry-level qualified under those standards.
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Q. What is the typical compensation for solar PV installation assistants and the technical salespeople? What can graduates of the 44-hour course expect to earn? How is the job market in these fields in Connecticut?
A. Some people participating in the program may already be licensed electricians or apprentices, in which case the wage scale will vary greatly. On average, the annual wage for commercial solar installation is approximately $40,000. Technical solar PV salespeople can expect to earn approximately $35-$45K annually (including salary and commission). PV entry-level trainees can expect to earn between $15 and $22 an hour, while licensed solar installers can expect to earn at least $25 per hour.
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Q. How do people qualify for these programs? How are the programs being funded?
A. This training program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), with matching funds provided by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. ECF programs may serve only families with dependent children that are considered “needy” under the state’s TANF plan.
The state generally defines a dependent child as someone under age 19 residing with a custodial parent or other caretaker; however, there are provisions for dependent children under age 24 who are attending a postsecondary school and are considered dependents in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. There are also provisions for certain individuals between the ages of 18 and 24, without dependent children, who are participating in work training programs.Â
A needy family is defined as a family with an income below 75% of the state median. This is currently $51,837 for a family of two, $64,035 for a family of three, and $76,232 for a family of four. In addition to meeting TANF family income eligibility requirements, participants must also be United States citizens or have proof of residency for a minimum of five years. They must also pass a math assessment administered by the Connecticut Community Colleges during the week of August 23.
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Q. Can people interested in pursuing these careers still take the training on their own dime?
Yes, on a space-available basis. Contact Deb Presbie, project consultant, for additional information at (860) 244-1932.
