Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician, Pre-Apprentice

Potential Earnings Range:

$40,726-$61,235*

Per year after graduation

Offered at

Job Corps Centers

Do you enjoy teamwork and physical tasks? Do you have a commitment to safety and have attention to detail? Enjoy being outside and active? Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Thermal System Installer training program.

On the job, you will:

Assemble, set up and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy
Understand solar energy and system fundamentals, including electricity and energy basics
Install solar thermal collectors, water heaters, storage tanks, piping and pipe insulation
Connect system piping
Perform solar thermal system checkouts

The credentials you'll earn:

In the Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician, Pre-apprenticeship program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) upon completion of the program. Students will also have the opportunity to earn other industry-recognized credentials from organizations including:

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program.

Some of the career options you'll have:

Program graduates can go on to work in a variety of occupations in the new and growing green economy, including as a solar installation helper, mechanical assembler, HVAC technician with solar expertise, roofer with solar expertise, solar thermal installer (residential/small commercial) or solar PV installer (residential/small commercial).

Requirements:

High school diploma or the equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers)
Complete a Job Corps basic training program
Passing scores on all written and performance tests
Meet academic (math and reading) requirements
At least 17 years old
Complete one of the following Job Corps basic career technical training programs: Carpentry; Electrical; Facilities Maintenance; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); or Plumbing
Have Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Training certificate
Complete a successful phone, in-person or videoconference interview

Positive attendance and progress record
Written recommendation from Job Corps center personnel
Health clearance at current center
Strong work ethic and determination to succeed
Passing scores on all written and performance tests
Meet strenuous physical requirements
Pass an entrance exam

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! Speak with your current career training instructor at your campus. They will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

Program Details

Explore location features and learn how to apply.

Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center

Program Details

Location:

Morganfield, KY

Availability:

12 slots

Application Information

Contact:

Taylor Boldrey

Email: boldrey.taylor@jobcorps.org

Phone number: 270-389-5396

Glenmont Job Corps Center

Program Details

Location:

Glenmont, NY

Application Information

Contact:

Andrada Niculae

Email: niculae.andrada@jobcorps.org

Phone number: 518-767-2413

Real Stories

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out these stories from real Job Corps students who have trained in this advanced training program.

Andy Guerrero

Glenmont Job Corps Center

During his time at Job Corps, Andy Guerrero developed a genuine passion for the electrical industry. After graduating from the Oneonta Job Corps Center in New York, he was accepted into the Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician training program at the Glenmont Job Corps Center. There Andy gained the skills he would later need to take on a massive solar panel installation project in New York City. “The best part of a large and challenging project is the moment when you complete the job,” Andy said. “You’re able to see the before and after. The sense of accomplishment is unreal.” Thanks to the opportunities at Job Corps, Andy developed an optimistic, determined work ethic that gave him the skills to be able to work on important projects to support America’s infrastructure. With more work already lined up, he sees a bright future ahead.