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.