IREC supports the growth of a highly-trained and inclusive clean energy workforce that empowers individuals and communities. We bring together diverse organizations to advance workforce development solutions. We accredit clean energy, energy efficiency, and weatherization training, and we develop job-focused training and micro-credentials.

IREC and our partners have long realized the best technology is only as good as the workers who design, install, and maintain it. We know that professions not typically defined as ‘clean energy’ need clean energy expertise to provide consumer access. Our experienced team of workforce professionals lead national, regional, and local efforts from planning through implementation to develop robust training-to-job pipelines to meet bold clean energy goals. 

At IREC, we believe that energy justice includes onramps to rewarding clean energy careers for historically underserved populations. Our workforce programs reflect our commitment to a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy future by cultivating a highly-skilled workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our communities — including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Leave us your contact information to learn more about how IREC can help you develop a comprehensive workforce strategy to reach your clean energy goals!

Clean Energy Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a proven tool for recruiting and retaining skilled and diverse workers. For clean energy companies, interest in apprenticeships is growing fast thanks to new incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. Apprenticeship programs will help expand the clean energy workforce and build a pipeline of highly qualified and diverse talent.

IREC was selected by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship to serve as an Industry Intermediary for Registered Apprenticeships for clean energy. Through the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network, IREC leads a national coalition of industry, training, and workforce development leaders to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector.

National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance

The National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance is a cross-sector effort to improve clean energy education, training, and job placement outcomes—and ensure that expanding clean energy job opportunities are inclusive of diverse candidates and underserved communities. Since January 2022, the Alliance has been virtually convening more than 500 employers, training providers, community-based recruitment and support organizations, and energy justice organizations.

Through structured and intentional meetings, the Alliance is collectively identifying and sharing resources and information, with a focus on concrete solutions to shared workforce challenges.

The Alliance is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the National Council for Workforce Education, with support from Bank of America. 

The Alliance’s resources include:

Clean Energy Training

IREC’s experienced workforce team interacts with subject matter experts across the clean energy and adjacent sectors to develop dynamic, interactive training experiences online and in person. Our training is designed to directly impact on-the-job performance, and arm a wide range of professionals with credible, fact-based information about clean energy. Our clean energy training offerings include:

IREC has launched the new Clean Energy Clearinghouse offering access to free educational resources and CEU bearing courses to ensure clean energy stakeholders have access to the information they need, when they need it. This clearinghouse will be helpful to authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), fire departments, clean energy contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, electric utilities, testing labs, building owners, facility managers, and others.

IREC developed the clearinghouse in partnership with the International Code Council, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, National Association of State Fire Marshals, Slipstream, FSEC Energy Research Center, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. These resources will provide up-to-date, reliable, vetted information and training related to existing and emerging technologies.

Job Market Trends

Clean energy is a job creator. IREC research informs policymakers, industries, and the general public about the jobs and economic impact of clean energy solutions. Our programs and resources include:

Veteran Resources

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are outstanding candidates for careers in the clean energy industries. IREC helps businesses expand connections with talented men and women with a background in military service, including transitioning service members or veterans. IREC’s veterans programs and resources include: