International network will deploy billions of public and private sector dollars into global solar energy markets. That’s accelerating clean energy deployment around the world.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced New York will participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets training program. All which will provide military personnel stationed at Fort Drum, NY. That’s with technical skills to obtain jobs in the growing solar industry. All after they transition from active service. This is the first Solar Ready Vets training cohort in New York. For that just the eighth offered at military installations in the U.S. The inaugural New York-based class under the program began on January 11.
In September 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Solar Ready Vets program. It’s to prepare veterans for post-military careers as solar installers. Also sales representatives, system inspectors or other solar-related occupations.
The program is aligned with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative.
All which allows military personnel to obtain job training up to six months prior to their separation from military service.
The Fort Drum program was created through collaboration among the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Also U.S. Department of Energy, Fort Drum, SUNY Canton and solar installation companies. Instructors from SUNY Canton will teach five-week classes focusing on technical training in solar skills. That’s including hands-on labs. In addition, the program will facilitate job placement with New York solar PV companies. All for the trained transitioning military personnel. Nearly 3,600 service members transition from Fort Drum each year. So this new program will be available to assist them in their transition to civilian life.
NYSERDA
NYSERDA provided support for the program startup costs, including curriculum development and training for the first 125 veterans to participate through five cohorts of 25. There is no cost for Fort Drum personnel to participate in these first cohorts. Service members may use GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of training after this.
According to the Solar Foundation’s Solar Job Census 2014, the solar industry is adding jobs at a rate of more than 20 times faster than the overall economy. Solar employment in New York State grew more than 40 percent in 2014, adding nearly 2,100 jobs. There currently are 359 solar companies in the State, employing more than 7,000 New Yorkers.
Perspective
In June, Governor Cuomo announced that from 2011 to 2014, solar grew by more than 300 percent in New York. For that’s twice the national average. The significant increase reflects the mission of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy. All which includes the $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative. For that’s to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. In the first two years of NY-Sun, a total of 316 megawatts (MW) of solar electric. For it was installed or is under contract, more than the amount installed in the entire prior decade.
REV Strategy
Richard Kauffman, New York State Chairman of Energy and Finance: “Under Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy. So solar is growing fast across the state. Thereby accelerating the demand for skilled energy professionals to enter the industry. The Solar Ready Vets program at Fort Drum is a great way to provide technical training to military personnel so they can be part of the solar workforce and play an important role in helping New York achieve its 50 percent of electricity to come from renewables target by 2030.”
John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “The continued growth of clean, renewable energy in New York is creating greater demand for skilled employees in the solar industry, and this program will help veterans fill those slots. This important program advances Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy by supporting clean energy jobs and accelerating the solar industry in New York State.”
Through this program, the community actively continues their commitment to veterans and their families. That’s in addition to focusing on environmental sustainability and renewable energy technologies. Most importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to providing career ready training. All in our academic programs and through our Career Ready Education and Success Training (CREST) Center for Workforce Development. We thank Governor Cuomo, the U.S. Department of Energy and CREST Center staff. Moreover, and all parties involved for implementing this important program.”
Fort Drum
Colonel Bryan J. Laske, Fort Drum Garrison Commander said, “Military servicemen and women based at Fort Drum have demonstrated key skills for success in fast paced, technical environments all over the world. As Soldiers transition to future careers, the Solar Ready Vets program enhances our capacity to build on existing skill sets and provide more specific training to better enable a smooth entry into the current job market. We are pleased to work with state and federal partners to initiate this program at Fort Drum and appreciate the additional opportunities it provides our military personnel.”
Veterans have the skills and abilities to prosper in New York’s growing solar industry. In addition, as one of only eight States participating in this program. For they have the opportunity to be part of New York’s renewable energy future.
Sources: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) http://www.nyserda.gov, New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, www.veterans.ny.gov, The New York State Department of Labor labor.ny.gov/vets, Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) www.ny.gov/REV4NY
