The IREC Blog

The energy industries have many Information Technology (IT) careers. IREC has related career resources to help you get started, including interviews with people in those roles.

We’re thrilled to introduce the new Apprenticeship Ready: Exploring Registered Apprenticeship Career Pathways course! This self-paced online program prepares students and career seekers to make informed decisions about entering clean energy occupations through Registered Apprenticeship pathways—a federally recognized, earn-while-you-learn training model that combines paid on-the-job learning with technical instruction. Here’s what those who take the...

Originally published by Building Performance Association The Building Performance Association (BPA) is proud to announce the approval of its National Guideline Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.  This milestone enables BPA to sponsor energy efficiency apprenticeship programs nationwide for the Energy Specialist and Home Performance Laborer occupations, supporting workforce development and expanding...

Solar Employed 280,000 Workers in 2024, According to 15th National Solar Jobs Census IREC today released the 15th annual National Solar Jobs Census, reporting that the U.S. solar industry employed 280,119 workers in 2024, roughly level with the industry’s 2023 employment.  Although these 2024 data do not capture the impacts of major federal energy policy...

From 2019 to 2025, IREC led the Solar Ready Vets (SRV) Network. We recap the program's impacts to expand solar opportunities for veterans.

Meet members of the IREC team and the paths they took throughout their career.

This summer has been an exciting time for IREC’s credentialing program, with five training providers receiving IREC Accreditation and the launch of a new cohort to review new applications this fall. Three of these training providers, the Association for Energy Affordability Inc. (AEA), Montana Weatherization Training Center, and Everblue, went through the re-accreditation process, while...

The ACE Network provides technical assistance and vetted resources to help employers, training providers, and other organizations start or join Registered Apprenticeship programs.

IREC and our partners were at RE+ Texas this month to support workforce development in solar and other clean energy industries. We hosted an apprenticeships and workforce power hour with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), highlighting our resources and toolkits for apprenticeship programs in clean energy. We also joined GRID Alternatives to promote career...

Apprenticeships are an idea that goes back centuries. Today, there is a growing interest in Registered Apprenticeship programs within clean energy fields like solar, home weatherization, energy efficiency, wind, and hydropower. As the U.S. Department of Labor celebrates National Apprenticeship Day, we at IREC are thrilled to be working with many successful new apprenticeship programs...

A year ago, GRID Alternatives Central Valley was awarded IREC Accreditation for their Installations Basics Training (IBT) program for solar installers. This month, Claire Laurentine, IREC’s Senior Program Manager of Workforce Training, joined GRID Central Valley in Fresno, California for a press conference and celebration commemorating their one-year Accreditation anniversary and an IBT graduation.  IREC...

IREC has provided nationally recognized and industry-backed accreditation and certification for clean energy training programs and professionals for over a decade. IREC-credentialed programs support training and certification in multiple clean energy and energy efficiency sectors. Many programs train individuals to work within the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to support energy efficiency in low-income households. Others...

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have received approval by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for national guidelines for Registered Apprenticeship programs for the solar industry.  National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards provide a template that companies, educational institutions, associations, and labor unions can use to create high-quality apprenticeship...

One training provider was newly accredited, while four others received re-accreditation for the second time.

This week marks the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration of the ways in which Registered Apprenticeship programs address critical workforce challenges while creating equitable pathways to high quality careers. A Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program is a customizable, industry-driven training model validated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or a state apprenticeship agency....

This Veterans Day, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and military families. To all who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces, we thank you for your service.  Throughout his military service as a Maintenance Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in the U.S. Army, Joseph Dudding gained extensive...