As part of the Big Plain Solar project, Clark State College has partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI) to offer train-the-trainer opportunities for companies and their employees and to offer student internships with the Bright Future Program.
“Clark State strives to provide training for the jobs of the future and this partnership with Big Plain Solar demonstrates our commitment to the industry,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State.
Companies are invited to expand their employee’s experience and expertise by participating in Clark State’s Solar Training Electric Design and Installation; a train-the-trainer program in partnership with SEI.
“Train-the-trainer is an opportunity to train instructors or subject-matter experts to prepare them to train others,” said Crystal Jones, vice president of marketing, diversity, and community impact at Clark State.
The components of the training can be integrated into carpentry, construction, and electrical programs to increase career options for employees.
The Solar Training Electric Design and Installation course is a gateway course into the solar industry. Students will learn solar fundamentals and gain a solid understanding of various components, system architectures, and applications for PV systems. This course focuses on grid-direct PV systems, but also covers material critical to understanding all types of PV systems.
The training includes site analysis, system sizing, array configuration, and performance estimation and electrical design characteristics such as wiring, overcurrent protection, and grounding. Students will be provided with a detailed look at module and inverter specifications and characteristics; mounting methods for various roof structures and ground-mounts; and an introduction to safely and effectively commissioning grid-direct PV systems.
Clark State is also partnering with the Bright Future Program; an internship opportunity to onboard and learn more about the Solar industry through SOLV Energy.
The Bright Future Program features:
- College students that are at least 18 years of age;
- Average hourly pay is between $20-$22;
- Housing is included and a monthly per diem of $1,500 is provided for those who live more than 75 miles from the employment site;
- Transportation to the site initially (not daily) and from the site can be provided. (Daily transportation is the intern’s responsibility.)
- Teams Tour Opportunity- Learn about the solar business;
- Internships are not just project based (i.e. construction). Opportunities can be in HR, Government affairs, etc.
- Most internships take place during the summer and last 8-10 weeks. However, there is some flexibility.
“We are honored to provide an opportunity for students to take solar training,” said Jones. “Ohio instructors can learn how to incorporate solar components into their current programming and create awareness on the solar industry by partnering with BPS.”
To learn more about this opportunity and the application process, contact Crystal Jones at jonesc@clarkstate.edu.