Become part of the growing Florida solar energy workforce
The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program ensures that Florida continues to produce well-trained, highly qualified solar energy technicians. The apprenticeship provides a pathway to certification as a state licensed solar contractor, which allows installation of both solar electric (photovoltaics) and thermal systems (water heating and pool heating).
Solar installer jobs are one of the fastest growing occupations in the clean energy sector, expected to increase more than 50% by 2030.
The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. It was approved by the Florida Department of Education, the state’s apprenticeship agency, in February 2022.
“The solar apprenticeship program adds credibility to our apprentice’s future and gives contractors in the state a higher level of confidence that when hiring one of our apprentices that they are getting a well-rounded and competent individual, someone who will become an asset for their company.”
David Bessette, solar apprenticeship committee IMMEDIATE PAST chair and president of Energy Technology Services
ABOUT US
The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA) partnered with the Florida Solar Energy Center® (FSEC®) to develop the Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program.
The “Participating Employers” comprise the Apprenticeship Committee and serve as the program sponsor. “Participating Employers” agree to abide by the Apprenticeship Standards, which include membership in the FlaSEIA, payment of prevailing wages to apprentices, and access to on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Solar companies interested in becoming a Participating Employer should contact Colleen Kettles.
Apprenticeship Committee
| Name | Company | Committee Role |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Gilbert | Solar Source | Chairman |
| Bill Gallagher | Solar-Fit | Vice Chairman |
| Colleen McCann Kettles | FSEC | Secretary/Program Administrator |
| David Bessette | Energy Technology Services | |
| David Click | ESA Solar | |
| Erik Delaney | Climatic Solar | |
| Cathy Dunn | Brilliant Harvest | |
| Scott Egglefield | Mirasol Solar | |
| Chris Maingot | Solar Source | |
| Ben Pauluhn | Optimus Solar | |
| Lisa Pearcy | 15 Lightyears | |
| Brenda Probasco | Voltage Pro Solar Electric | |
| Scott Rounds | Sunray Roofing and Solar | |
| Steve Rutherford | Tampa Bay Solar |
The Apprenticeship Committee is supported by FSEC faculty and staff in the administration of the program, and is responsible for development and delivery of the related technical instruction.
| Dan Morris | FSEC | Lead Instructor |
| Penny Hall | FSEC | Curriculum Development |
| Sherri Shields | FSEC | Instructional Design |
| Nick Waters | FSEC | Instructional Design |
| Donard Metzger | FSEC | Lab Instructor |