August 20 Deadline to Comment on New IREC Standard for Trainers
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announces a public comment period for its revised credentialing standard, Draft IREC Standard 01024: 2013 – General Requirements for the Certification of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Distributed Renewable Energy Generation Instructors and Master Trainers.
The new standard is a result of IREC revising Standard 01022, currently used for assessment of both training organizations and instructors. Once final, there will be two new standards: one for training (Draft Standard 01023 – released for public comment on July 8) and one for instructors (Draft Standard 01024). The standards have been in development for the last several months.
Crafted by a group of dedicated industry stakeholders, experts in the field of training, Standard 01024 will allow the instructor and master trainer to demonstrate their commitment to consistently high-quality training and will distinguish them to potential employers and students.
This public comment period for the draft standard for instructors and master trainers will close August 20, 2013, with an expected release date for a final document in September 2013.
IREC Standard 01024 identifies requirements for training and professional field experience, subject matter expertise and instructional quality which must be met for master trainers and instructors to become certified. Although the instructor applying to be certified may work with an IREC Accredited Training Program, it is not required. This credential certifies an individual’s instructional quality and subject matter knowledge. Because it is a mark of excellence awarded to an instructor, rather than a training organization, its value is portable, and becomes an identifiable credential for training providers looking to hire quality instructors.
IREC assembled a national panel of industry experts to develop the new standards, which together replace what is most commonly known as IREC’s ISPQ Standard. The panel includes instructors, curriculum specialists, training provider administrators and contractors/installers.
“As our industry grows, quality training providers seek instructors who have been recognized by a third party as outstanding teachers,” says IREC President and CEO Jane Weissman. “The IREC credential shows teaching programs, students and industry that this instructor has earned the highest mark of excellence, demonstrating the knowledge and skills to train tomorrow’s workforce.”
Review the content of the draft IREC Standard 01024: 2013 (PDF)
Provide your comments through our survey tool here.
Direct questions to the IREC Credentialing Program: [email protected], (518) 621-7379.
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