Training and Education

Your Path, Your Choice

Whether you’re starting right out of high school, changing careers, or looking to advance, there’s an energy training pathway that fits your goals, timeline, and learning style. From paid apprenticeships to four-year degrees, all roads lead to stable, well-paying careers powering our communities.

Start Here!

Energy Industry Fundamentals (EIF) 2.0

This FREE online course provides foundational knowledge about the energy industry, career options, and essential skills employers want. Perfect for exploring careers before committing to a training program.
 

  • Time Committment: 120 hours
  • Cost: FREE
  • Credentials: Industry Recognized Certificate

Then Choose Your Educational and Training Pathway!

Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeship Readiness Programs (ARPs)

  • Duration: 4-12 weeks
  • Cost: Free or Low Cost
  • Credentials: Certificate of completion/ RAP eligibility
  • Best For: Little or no experience, Career explorers, RAP preparation
  • Structure: Short-term cohorts, Basic skills + job readiness, introduction to trades, may include OSHA & safety certifications
  • Careers: Construction laborer, Utility helper, Solar installer assistant, Pipeline crew member, Apprentice-track entry roles
  • Where to Look: Community-based organizations (CBOs), Goodwill, YouthBuild, or similar nonprofits, Energy employers such as utilities

Registered Apprenticeships (RAPs)

 

  • Duration: 2-5 years
  • Cost: Earn while you learn
  • Credentials: Journey-level certification
  • Best For: Hands-on learners, long-term commitment, union jobs
  • Structure: Classroom + on-the-job, union/employer sponsored, structured curriculum
  • Careers: Electrician, lineworker, pipefitter, welder, plumber, operating engineer
  • Where to Look: IBEW, UA, Laborers, Operating Engineers, ABC

Trade and Technical Schools

  • Duration: 6 months–2 years
  • Cost: Low Cost
  • Credentials: Certificate or diploma
  • Best For: Focused skill training, quick entry, career focus
  • Structure: Full-time classes, lab work, hands-on practice, industry connections
  • Careers: Solar installer, wind technician, HVAC specialist, energy auditor, electrical technician
  • Where to Look: Technical institutes, community colleges, trade schools

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

  • Duration: 1-2 years
  • Cost: Free or Low Cost
  • Credentials: Certificate/diploma
  • Best For: High school students, dual credit opportunities, exploring options
  • Structure: During high school or after, part-time possible, can lead to college credit
  • Careers: Entry-level technician, helper roles, assistant positions, apprentice entry
  • Where to Look: Public high schools, career centers, vocational schools, tech prep programs

College and University

  • Duration: 2–4 years
  • Cost: Tuition required
  • Credentials: Associate or Bachelor’s degree
  • Best For: Engineering, management, advanced technical, research roles
  • Structure: Full-time coursework, labs/research, internships, capstone projects
  • Careers: Electrical engineer, project manager, energy analyst, scientist, system designer
  • Where to Look: Community colleges, state universities, online programs

Additional Training & Certifications 

  • OSHA Safety Certifications (10-hour, 30-hour)
  • OSHA Safety Certifications (10-hour, 30-hour)
  • NCCER Craft Training
  • NABCEP Solar Installation Certification
  • Manufacturer-Specific Training (equipment brands)
  • First Aid & CPR
  • CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

Financial Support & Resources

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding
  • State-specific training grants
  • Employer-sponsored training
  • Union-funded apprenticeships
  • Veterans benefits (GI Bill, VR&E)
  • Scholarships