The Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network is a national coalition of industry, training, and workforce development leaders. Our goal is to support and encourage the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in clean energy industries.
Free Technical Assistance Available
The ACE Network is providing free technical assistance on developing Registered Apprenticeship programs across the clean energy industries. With funding from the U.S. Department of Labor recently concluded, we are able to continue this work thanks to generous support from Invest in Our Future.
Whether you’re an employer looking to create a talent pipeline, an educational institution, or a workforce stakeholder seeking to collaborate, IREC is here to help you build your program and connect you with the right resources and support. Are you ready to invest in a stronger, more skilled clean energy workforce? We’re here to help you get started. Fill out the form below and take the first step toward partnering with us.
What Is a Registered Apprenticeship?
Apprentices are paid employees who receive on-the-job training and related technical instruction under the supervision of a mentor. Apprenticeships have been used throughout history to train people in occupations that require extensive practical experience to master.
A Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Program has been validated to meet the standards defined by the U.S. Department of Labor and/or a State Apprenticeship Agency. An RA typically takes between 2-5 years to complete. In many ways, the credential earned upon completion of a RA program is similar to a degree issued upon graduation from a college or university program in a particular field of study.
Why Apprenticeships in Clean Energy?
Industries like solar, wind, and battery storage are expanding rapidly. Employers urgently need skilled workers to meet the rising demand. Registered Apprenticeships are a proven way to develop top talent. They allow employers to hire motivated workers who learn on the job by following a structured training program that aligns with business needs.
The “earn while you learn” model makes apprenticeships an effective tool for recruitment and retention. Registered Apprenticeships have been proven to lower employee turnover, increase productivity, and improve safety. For large energy projects, apprenticeships also open the door to tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
“The ACE Network has helped our company immensely in the development of our apprenticeship program. With their mentorship, we went from 1 occupation, 1 employer, and 20 apprentices to 4 approved programs, 11 employer partners, and 160 apprentices in just 9 months.”
— Nikki Kasper, Director of Business Strategy Consulting and Management Services, Cam Solar Training
Clean Energy Apprenticeship Resources
Visit our Green Workforce Connect platform for free access to a library of resources that can help you develop RA programs in clean energy.
Resources include a Registered Apprenticeships Toolkit; National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards; a Guide to Incentive Funding; success stories from Registered Apprenticeship programs; and more.
What Has the ACE Network Accomplished?
IREC was selected by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship in 2023 to serve as their Industry Intermediary for Registered Apprenticeships in clean energy. For two years, IREC and its partner organizations provided technical and financial assistance to help hundreds of employers develop and implement apprenticeship programs and train over a thousand apprentices. IREC will be continuing this work with funding from Invest In Our Future.
Since the program launched, IREC and its partners have:
- Provided free technical assistance to hundreds of organizations across the country, including employers, training providers, group apprenticeship programs, industry associations, and labor unions.
- Hosted hundreds of in-person and virtual events along with a monthly webinar series on apprenticeships.
- Worked with employers to support 31 agreements for new Registered Apprenticeship programs.
- Supported the registration of more than 1,100 apprentices. Of these 78% are from populations underrepresented within the apprenticeship system, such as women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities.
Report: Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Clean Energy
This report summarizes the ACE Network’s accomplishments under a program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides a comprehensive overview of efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities within the clean energy sector.
“Thanks to the support of the ACE Network, we’re equipped to keep pace with the latest training, tools and technologies in the renewable energy sector. This enables us to provide cutting-edge training to apprentices—the future Journeyman Carpenters who will carry this vital trade forward.”
— Craig Triplett, Executive Director, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program
Connect With Apprenticeship Sponsors and Partners
Are you a job seeker looking for a Registered Apprentice training program? Are you an employer seeking partnerships with educational institutions or group sponsored programs? Are you an education provider trying to identify and support employers in your area? Visit the Green Workforce Connect platform and browse our directory to connect with organizations in your area.
Our Partners
This project has been funded, either wholly or in part, with Federal funds from the Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration under Contract number [1605C2-23-C-0015], the contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement of same by the U.S. Government.