Clean energy
- including energy-efficiency and solar electricity - is a growing
industry in Oregon. If you are interested in learning more about
the job and training opportunities associated with energy-efficiency and
solar energy, please check in with these organizations.
Solar Industry Information
Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association
(OSEIA). The Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association is a trade
association founded in 1981 to promote clean, renewable, solar
technologies. OSEIA works with industry leaders, academic scholars,
legislators, government, and non-profit agencies to advocate for solar
technologies and raise awareness of its potential to help secure an
affordable, reliable, and clean energy future.
Solar Oregon. Solar Oregon
is a non-profit membership organization providing public education and
community outreach to encourage Oregonians to choose solar energy. They
are a 501(c)(3) membership-based, non-profit, educational organization
with over 20 years of history supporting solar energy throughout the
state.
Renewable Energy Training and Classes
Portland Community College Renewable Energy Systems: Portland Community College offers two different accredited programs for renewable energy. A credited 9 month course is designed to prepare operators for solar power, wind power, fuel cell and other renewable energy fields. A two-year AAS credited course prepares technicians for solar power, wind power, fuel cell and other renewable energy fields.
NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center.
These solar classes are an introduction for the student to gain some
basic knowledge in photovoltaic systems. Safety and working with DC
circuits will be discussed as well as the differences between PV and AC
circuits. When you click on the link above, enter "intro to solar classes" in the search box.
Contractors and Trades Organizations
National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon
(NAMCO). The National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon
advocates for building the capacity of local minority construction and
contracting businesses. Based in Portland,
our members work toward removing barriers for minority businesses, and
finding solutions to low percentage of African American businesses
participating in public projects.
Pre-Apprenticeship or "Bridge" Programs
Evening Trades Apprenticeship Preparation (ETAP). PortlandCommunity College's ETAP program offers a non-credit 11 week course focused on skill building and career exploration. Course
material includes basic construction training in carpentry and
laborers, completing with ETAP certification, CPR, flagging, forklift,
and OSHA certifications, as well as access to continuing education or
other trades training through PortlandCommunity College.
Oregon Tradeswomen.
Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. is dedicated to promoting success for women in
the trades through education, leadership and mentorship.
Constructing Hope.
Constructing Hope pre-apprenticeship training program is a
state-certified pre-apprenticeship program with established partnerships
with entry status for several local apprenticeship programs, offered
through the Irvington Covenant Community Development Corporation.
Portland Youth Builders (PYB). Portland
Youth Builders is a nonprofit organization that provides educational,
vocational, and leadership development programs for low-income men and
women aged 17-24. PYB offers a non-credit 12 week course focused on skill building and career exploration. The
course covers basic construction training in carpentry and laborers, as
well as an extra week of training where participants get a head start
on learning tool identification and safe tool handling techniques. Participants
also have the opportunity to explore their own ideas about roles,
behaviors, and expectations in a changing industry.