The Florida Solar Energy Apprenticeship program instructional component is comprised of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 296 hours of a combination of online and hands-on laboratory training, referred to as Related Technical Instruction (RT)). Instructional topics include:
- Safety in the Workplace
- Introduction to Solar Energy
- Solar Energy Fundamentals
- Solar Energy System Concepts, Codes and Standards
- Solar Energy System Design
- Solar Energy Site Assessment
- Solar Energy System Installation
- Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
- Business Development, Solar Sales & Customer Service
Access to the RTI is currently available from two providers: the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and St. Petersburg College.
When the apprentice applies for registration, the choice of RTI provider will be determined in consultation with the employer.
The FSEC program provides online classes with on-demand, pre-recorded lessons. Hands-on lab experiences are held on UCF’s Cocoa Campus, where they are led by solar industry expert and FSEC instructional staff. The instructor is always available by email or phone to respond to questions, grade assignments, and advise apprentices.
At SPC, classes are held online with an instructor on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and get feedback during the class. Hands-on lab experiences are facilitated by an industry expert on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SPC’s Allstate Campus, St. Petersburg.