By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent
As the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy, the solar industry is hiring people at an ever-increasing rate – and as solar adoption continues to expand, the need for qualified workers will continue to grow, too.
But here’s the challenge: Even though well-paying jobs in the solar industry exist – today – the industry hasn’t yet tackled the challenge of putting the necessary job applicants with the job providers.
Until now.
At Solar Power International this week, the Solar Training Network announced the launch of AmericanSolarWorkforce.org, a comprehensive online platform to help solar companies recruit qualified workers; allow solar job seekers to find career and training opportunities; and help the entire industry build a strong and diverse solar workforce.
AmericanSolarWorkforce.org is managed by the Solar Training Network, a program led by The Solar Foundation and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
“This new online platform helps meet an urgent need for top-quality solar workers across the United States,” said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director at The Solar Foundation. “The platform allows solar employers to expand their networks and make valuable connections with job seekers, training providers, and workforce development professionals in their area.”
Using this platform, which is free of charge, employers can post opportunities on a solar job board and connect with thousands of workers looking for solar career opportunities. Employers can also create company profiles, review candidate applications and communicate with potential hires.
Solar career seekers can create attractive profiles, apply for jobs, identify training providers, and make connections with solar companies. The platform also allows community colleges, workforce boards, and local nonprofits to create directory listings and build relationships with solar employers and candidates.
The Solar Training Network developed this platform following a 2017 report, Solar Training Hiring and Insights, which reported that a majority of solar employers found current job board services insufficient or difficult to use.
AmericanSolarWorkforce.org builds on the Solar Training Network’s research, which found a large majority of solar employers find it difficult to hire qualified candidates. It is a counterpart to a new toolkit, Strategies for Workforce Development, which outlines steps for solar companies to engage with local workforce development resources and build a pipeline of talented employees.
To that end, the online platform also includes a clearinghouse for original research and other resources to support solar workforce development. It features a “Solar Panel” with advice from workforce experts, and a shared news and events page for users to post updates.