Solar Installer / Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program
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Are you a hands-on learner?
Do you want to upskill and earn more in a new career?
Apply today and be part of MA’s transition toward clean energy and healthier communities!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FREE 16-WEEK HANDS-ON WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM
WHEN: NOW OPEN
- Enrollment: NOW OPEN
- Orientation Dates: (Final Selection Process):
Jan 19 - 28, 2027, Tuesdays - Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Program Dates: Feb 1 - May 28, 2027
- Days & Times: Monday - Thursday & Select Fridays, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Please see the full schedule below.
- Duration: 16 weeks of hands-on training (160 hours in-person & 30+ hours of OSHA 30 Construction Safety online training)
WHERE
Offered through Holyoke Community College (HCC), this program will take place at these two locations:
Mondays - Thursdays:
Dean Technical High School
Rooms: Electrical & Carpentry Workshops
Address: 1045 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040
Select Fridays:
Holyoke Community College Campus
Room: Kittredge Center (KC), Room: TBD
Address: 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040
WHAT
In this FREE 16-week/190-hour, hands-on pre-apprenticeship program learn fundamental electrical, construction, and workplace safety skills and how these skills are applied to the design, installation, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. In addition, learn how solar PV systems can be integrated with electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage systems.
Through Career & Life Skills classes and one-on-one career counseling sessions, learn how to effectively write resumes and cover letters, explore exciting career pathways in clean energy and the building trades, and strengthen your communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills. In addition, learn and practice the necessary math skills required to succeed on electrical apprenticeship aptitude tests.
Through the course, earn your OSHA 30 Construction Safety Credentials and receive free access to the NCCER Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installer curriculum which can be completed independently in preparation for the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate™ exam, a nationally recognized assessment/credential, measuring demonstrated knowledge of fundamental principles, including application, design, installation and operation of photovoltaic systems.
Please note, OSHA 10 Construction Safety is a prerequisite of this training program.
Upon graduation, workforce trainees are prepared to apply to competitive solar installer and electrical apprenticeship programs, entry level positions in the building trades, or other clean energy-related jobs with average wages starting at $22+/hour. While apprenticeship and employment placement are not guaranteed, you will be connected to potential opportunities throughout the program and fully supported in your apprenticeship/job search, application, and interview process.
START YOUR NEW CAREER WITH THESE FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS:
+ OSHA 30 Credentials / Workplace Safety
+ Safety Standards Related to Solar & Storage
+ Harness, Ladder & Lift Safety
+ Safety Tool Box & On-Site Preparedness
+ Electrical Fundamentals
+ Strut Wall Building
+ Pipe Bending
+ Construction Fundamentals
+ Trenching
+ Framing & Roofing
+ Concrete Foundation Pouring & Demolition
+ Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems/Applications
+ Solar PV Design
+ Site Evaluation & Installation
+ Operation & Maintenance
+ Job Readiness & Career Development
SCHEDULE
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ORIENTATION |
Final Selection Process |
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WK 1 |
Tue - Thu |
Jan. 19 - 21: Career & Life Skills Training at HCC |
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WK 2 |
Tue - Thu |
Jan. 26 - 28: Hand-On Skills Training at Dean Tech High School |
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FINAL SELECTION |
Fri |
Jan. 29: Enrollment Notification |
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PROGRAM |
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WK 1 |
Mon - Thu |
Feb. 1 - 4 |
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WK 2 |
Mon - Thu |
Feb. 8 - 11 |
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WK 3 |
Wed & Thu |
Feb. 17 & 18 |
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WK 4 |
Mon - Thu |
Feb. 22 - 25 |
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WK 5 |
Mon - Thu |
Mar. 1 - 4 |
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WK 6 |
Mon - Thu |
Mar. 8,9,11,12 |
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WK 7 |
Mon - Thu |
Mar. 15 - 18 |
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WK 8 |
Mon - Thu |
Mar. 22 - 25 |
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WK 9 |
Mon - Fri |
Mar. 29 - Apr. 2 |
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WK 10 |
Mon - Thu |
Apr. 5 - 8 |
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WK 11 |
Mon - Thu |
Apr. 12 - 15 |
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SPRING BREAK |
Mon - Fri |
Apr. 19 - 23 |
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WK 12 |
Mon - Fri |
Apr. 26 - 30 |
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WK 13 |
Mon - Thu |
May 3 - 6 |
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WK 14 |
Mon - Thu |
May 10 - 13 |
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WK 15 |
Mon - Fri |
May 17 - 21 |
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WK 16 |
Mon & Tue |
May 24 & 25 |
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GRADUATION |
Wed, Thu or Fri* |
May 26, 27 or 28 |
*Based on the number of snow-day make-up classes
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
+ 18+ yrs of age and authorized to work in the U.S.
+ Have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET
+ Willing and able to seek an electrical apprenticeship or start PT/FT work in the building trades or clean energy fields following training
+ Demonstrated strong work ethic, communication, and collaboration skills
+ Demonstrated interest in electrical, construction, building trades or clean energy fields
+ Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with some prior experience or training in electricity, construction, or related building trades
+ Willing and able to attend all classes
+ Willing and able to attend regular virtual 1:1 sessions with Career Development Counselor during and after the program (for up to a year) to ensure apprenticeship placement and/or employment
+ Willing and able to check email daily and respond in a timely manner
+ Have or be willing to obtain OSHA 10 Construction Safety Credentials prior to the program start;
+ Participate in intake interview and exams
+ English Proficiency (Level 4+ on ACT WorkKeys Workplace Documents Test)
+ Math Proficiency (Level 4+ on ACT WorkKeys Applied Math Skills Test)
+ Pass a SORI & CORI background check
+ Willing and able to participate in a two week Orientation / Final Screening Process
**Priority will be given to applicants with some prior electrical, construction, or building trade experience who demonstrate strong employability skills and a clear commitment to seeking an electrical apprenticeship or part-/full-time work in the building trades or clean energy fields, for example: solar PV or EV technician, electrician, carpenter, construction laborer, energy efficiency technician, etc. **
Space is limited to 15 people. Applications are reviewed in order of submission.
MORE INFORMATION
Mike Blasco (He/Him/His)
Career Development Counselor
mblasco@hcc.edu
413.552.2805
Click HERE to schedule a virtual meeting.
