Solar training boot camps provide green jobs and much-needed expertise

The solar Energy industry is exploding with opportunity, with an expected 400,000 job openings in 2009 alone. But while the prospects for a stable and progressive career in the solar energy industry are phenomenal, the launch of a formal training institute will help many fulfill their goals of joining the booming industry.

A recent statement by the Department of Labor Statistics confirms that solar installers are in the biggest demand, with a 9% projected growth rate. Thanks to places like California, Oregon and Texas -states dedicated to green building and the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) standards — there is a large possibility of this projection to rise above expected values.

Unfortunately, the solar industry is ill prepared for a large jump in solar production demand. When sustainable energy was little more than a budding idea, several individuals were trained as an extension of related positions, such as electricians and roofers. Now many of those individuals have reached retirement age and the lack of trained personnel is becoming apparent. Although others take their place, it hasn’t been enough to meet the age-old laws of supply and demand.

To resolve the widening gap in supply and demand for the solar labor market, Boots on the Roof has launched its solar Education division. The Boots on the Roof team, which already has a 16-year track record of successfully collaborating with large organizations on a national scale, developed an interest in green energy several years ago – solar power, in particular. After dedicating the last few years to charting out the territory for its distinguished solar programs, they are proud to launch the market ready solar training programs targeted at General Contractors, Licensed Electricians, solar Energy Entrepreneurs and other business professionals in the renewable energy sector.

Boots on the Roof, a reputed solar school, delivers top-quality market-ready training programs for solar energy industry professionals. The Boots team has a 16-year track record of successfully partnering with large organizations to train tens of thousands of students nationwide.

“Things are changing rapidly now,” said Navraj Bawa, Executive Vice President. “Everything is moving towards standards and certification. We’re proud to be a part of it.”

Boots on the Roof is now an approved NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) testing center for the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems exam. It provides, “boot camp style”, instructor-led solar training programs for solar energy professionals at their California, Philadelphia, Portland and other nationwide locations. Their two-day, six-day and four-day solar panel training courses haven’t had an empty seat yet with students flying in to its locations to train through Boots hands-on teaching style.

“The important thing to understand,” said Navraj Bawa, Executive Vice President, “is that solar panel installation isn’t conducive to a ‘do-it-yourself’ technique. People need to be aware that they’re dealing with energy, with electricity, an unforgiving element. To be able to harness the immense opportunities in the solar energy sector, the most efficient method would be to partake of training from a reputed solar school such as Boots.”

For more information on the Boots on the Roof training programs, classes and schedules, please visit www.bootsontheroof.com.