Become part of the growing Florida solar energy workforce
The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Program aims to ensure that Florida continues to produce well-trained, highly-qualified solar energy technicians. This apprenticeship provides a pathway to state certification as a Florida 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 was the first and only solar apprenticeship in the country to be 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 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 Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship Committee is comprised of the “Participating Employers” that have joined the program, and agree to abide by the Apprenticeship Standards. This includes membership in the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (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.
Entry to the apprenticeship program is through employment with one of the solar companies participating in the program. If you are interested in becoming a Solar Energy Technician through an apprenticeship, contact the Participating Employers listed below and provide them with your resume and any other information on your skills relevant to solar energy installation.
Participating Employers
| Name | Company | |
|---|---|---|
| David Bessette | Energy Technology Services | dbessette1@gmail.com |
| David Click | ESA Solar | dclick@esa-solar.com |
| Erik Delaney | Climatic Solar | erik@climaticsolar.com |
| Scott Egglefield | Mirasol Solar | sunwisescott@gmail.com |
| Bill Gallagher | Solar-Fit | bill@solar-fit.com |
| Rick Gilbert | Solar Source | rick.gilbert@solarsource.com |
| Lisa Pearcy | 15 Lightyears | lpearcy@15lightyears.com |
Apprenticeship Committee
| Name | Company | Committee Role |
|---|---|---|
| David Bessette | Energy Technology Services | Chairman |
| David Click | ESA Solar | Participating Employer |
| Erik Delaney | Climatic Solar | Participating Employer |
| Scott Egglefield | Mirasol Solar | Participating Employer |
| Bill Gallagher | Solar-Fit | Participating Employer |
| Rick Gilbert | Solar Source | Vice Chairman |
| Colleen McCann Kettles | FSEC | Secretary |
| Chris Maingot | Solar Source | Participating Employer |
| Lisa Pearcy | 15 Lightyears | Participating Employer |
| Wayne Wallace | Solar Source | Participating Employer |
| Bob Zrallack | Solar Energy Systems | Participating Employer |