1. What does an installer of solar, small wind or geothermal systems actually do?

These professionals work under the direction of a designer or team that can assess the feasibility of a solar, wind or geothermal installation on a particular site; then they calculate its orientation and proper size, and design the system in detail. Installers bring together the components, assemble, mount and secure them, connect to the electric grid or plumbing system, and test operations.

To understand the requirements in much more detail, see the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners' (www.nabcep.org) learning goals for solar and wind, and the International Ground Source Heat PumpAssociation (http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu) for geothermal.

2. What kind of background and skills are needed?

All these trades require some basic math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry), manual dexterity and the ability to climb, lift, etc. They also call for social/communications skills for dealing with customers and explaining technologies to a variety of people.

Because some of the requirements are very specific and change often, the SUNY partner colleges provide very clear information on pre-requisites in the course listings.  

3. What does the job market look like?

Clean and renewable energy industries are growing nationally and in the Hudson Valley, but the pace has been inconsistent and difficult to predict because it:

• Depends on state energy policy, federal law, and local markets

• Can be expected to grow in bursts with the creation of new programs such as the scaled-up statewide weatherization program, Green Jobs, Green New York, which was recently signed into law, and the federal Home Star program ("cash for caulkers")

Many workplaces in this sector are small businesses, so a job seeker needs to be resourceful and a good networker.  Employers include specialized companies in these niche industries and also plumbing, electrical, excavation and construction firms. One good way to find them is through professional associations that typically list their member companies (see the "links" section of this website.) 

4.  Suppose I'm drawn to these fields, but I don't want to be climbing on rooftops or doing physical work all the time? Are there other pathways, or combinations, that I might consider?

There are several good career pathways for people who fit this description. Sales and marketing, customer service, design, administration, and training are all options that build on your technical skills, combined with social and organizational skills. Technical training and experience boosts your credibility in sales and management, and helps you to communicate effectively with prospective customers and those needing assistance with their technology after it is installed. Thanks to the varied programs of financial assistance now available through state agencies, utilities, local governments and private businesses that have an interest in clean energy technology, assisting businesses and customers with their application paperwork can even be a job in itself!

 

5. How can the Clean Energy Technology Training Consortium help me?

Our menu of courses is competitive and regularly upgraded to reflect new employment markets, business opportunities and areas of community interest. The five participating Consortium colleges are working together to establish a highly competitive, responsive training system with new and evergreen courses plus special strategies to help traditionally disadvantaged people to build their careers in realistic stages - for example, with "stackable certificates" for short-term training programs that can earn credit toward an Associate's degree.

Each campus offers flexible career and business advising in partnership with the five counties' One Stop Job Centers and the award-winning Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center. Resource Centers are opening now in the five partner counties, at the:

 

• Ulster One Stop Job Center

• SUNY Sullivan Library

• DutchessWorks Job Center

• SUNY Orange Newburgh Campus

• SUNY Rockland Library

Information sessions are held in each participating county at the beginning of the semester. Visit the "Events" link for the latest. 

6. Where do I go right now for more information about careers, prerequisites, and certifications?

Solar PV and solar thermal installation:

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): www.nabcep.org

Small wind:

American Wind Energy Association: Careers in Wind site http://www.careersinwind.com/

Geothermal heat pumps:

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association: http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu

Additional training topics in renewable energy:

Interstate Renewable Energy Council - http://www.irecusa.org/trainingCatalog/providerMap.php<

Clean technology job trends generally: http://www.cleanedge.com/reports/reports-jobtrends2009.php

For a reliable clean technology jobs board: http://jobs.cleanedge.com/

7. Where can I find financial support for retraining?

If you are employed, and need on-the-job or classroom training recommended by your employer, the New York State Department of Labor may be able to provide financial support.

If you are between jobs and seek training for a high-demand occupation,training funds may also be available to cover part or all of your costs. To find out the current policy and available resources, please visit the Department of Labor's  OneStop Job Center in your county.