Solar Apprenticeships Create Clean Energy Jobs in Coal Country
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📰 The quick summary: Solar apprenticeship programs in southwest Virginia are providing students with valuable skills and local job opportunities in renewable energy, helping to build a clean energy workforce in a region traditionally dominated by coal.
📈 One key stat: Virginia ranks eighth in the nation for installed solar capacity, signaling strong growth potential for renewable energy jobs throughout the state.
💬 One key quote: “The things I learned in the apprenticeship program I’m still doing day-to-day,” Anthony Hamilton, 21st, said.
1️⃣ The big picture: A regional partnership in southwest Virginia is training young people for careers in renewable energy through solar apprenticeship programs. The initiative combines classroom instruction at Mountain Empire Community College with hands-on installation experience at commercial buildings and schools. Students earn college credits, receive free equipment, and get paid while learning valuable skills that can translate into well-paying local jobs. This workforce development effort comes as Virginia’s renewable energy sector continues to grow, with solar installations expanding from the eastern regions into the heart of coal country.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The apprenticeship program gives students a path to well-paying careers without leaving their communities. Participants can earn $17-18 per hour to start, well above typical wages in an area where median household income is around $42,000. The skills learned are transferable to various electrical jobs, not just solar installation, providing versatile career opportunities. By developing this workforce locally, the region is building capacity for future renewable energy projects while helping transition from its coal-dependent past to a more sustainable economy. The program also makes solar energy more accessible to rural communities that could benefit from lower energy costs.
3️⃣ What’s next: Mountain Empire Community College will install more than 1,600 solar panels on its classroom buildings this summer, providing more training opportunities for apprentices. Organizers hope to expand similar programs to other school divisions, though this requires coordinated effort from multiple partners. As energy costs rise, more homeowners and businesses in southwest Virginia are likely to consider solar installation, potentially increasing job opportunities in the region.
Read the full story here: Grist – Solar apprenticeships give Virginia students a head start on clean energy
