HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (June 13, 2016) – The Department of Energy has named Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) the primary training provider of the Solar Ready Vets program at Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army installation in Fayetteville, NC. Everblue, a designated Veteran Owned Small Business, will collaborate with FTCC to offer the solar training portion of the program.

Everblue will deliver classroom and hands-on solar PV installation training, building upon Solar Ready Vets requirements as well as Everblue’s own solar curriculum which is both accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and aligned with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Learning Objectives. In addition, students will have access to PV operations and maintenance simulation software through Interplay Solar and extended access to online training and resources through Everblue. At the end of the program, Everblue will administer the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam to participants.

The Solar Ready Vets program prepares military veterans for careers in the solar energy industry by training them to size and install solar systems, safely connect them to the grid, and understand and comply with local building codes. This program trains active military personnel who are in “transitioning military” status – within six months of leaving military service and becoming a veteran – and prepares them for careers as solar PV system installers, sales representatives, system inspectors, and other solar-related occupations.

Lasting between six and eight weeks, the Solar Ready Vets program includes OSHA safety training, electrical training, hands-on solar panel installation training as well as resume writing, interview tips, and other soft skills assistance. Each cohort will be comprised of approximately 20 active military personnel.

The first of several planned Solar Ready Vets training program cohorts for Fort Bragg began on Tuesday, May 31 at FTCC in Fayetteville. The program is free for qualifying military personnel living in Cumberland County. Tuition assistance will be available to veterans outside Cumberland County.

After graduation from Solar Ready Vets, service members will have the opportunity to interview with leading national and regional solar companies for a wide variety of jobs within the industry.

For more information or to register, please contact Pendy Evans at FTCC by emailing [email protected]. Everblue can be reached by calling (800) 460-2575 or by emailing [email protected].

About Everblue
Everblue is the nation’s leading training provider for solar panel installation, green building, and energy efficiency. Its curriculum is focused on short-term courses for individuals in the green technology field or those seeking a career path in solar and energy efficiency. Everblue’s courses are approved by the American Institute of Architects, Building Performance Institute, Green Business Certification Institute, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and North American Technician Excellence.

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