Explore Possibilities > Renewable Resources and Energy

Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician, Pre-Apprentice

Potential earnings range:

$40,726-$61,235*

Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy teamwork and physical tasks? Do you have a commitment to safety and have attention to detail? Enjoy being outside and active?

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician training program. Pre-apprenticeships are focused on preparing students for a successful experience in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). That means your hands-on training will be based on industry standards in order to prepare you for high-skill, quality employment.

On the job, you will ...

Assemble, set up and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy
Understand solar energy and system fundamentals, including electricity and energy basics
Install solar thermal collectors, water heaters, storage tanks, piping and pipe insulation
Connect system piping
Perform solar thermal system checkouts

Some of the career options you will have ...

Program graduates can go on to work in a variety of occupations in the new and growing green economy, including as a solar technician, mechanical assembler, HVAC technician with solar expertise, roofer with solar expertise, solar thermal installer (residential/small commercial) or solar PV installer (residential/small commercial).

The credentials you will earn ...

In the Advanced Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician, Pre-apprenticeship program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) upon completion of the program. Students will also have the opportunity to earn other industry-recognized credentials from organizations including:

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program.

What you’ll need to start training ...

Complete one of the following Job Corps basic career technical training programs: Carpentry; Electrical; Facilities Maintenance; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); or Plumbing
Have Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Training certificate
Meet academic (math and reading) requirements
Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers)
Passing scores on all written and performance test
At least 17 years old
Pass an entrance exam
Complete a successful phone, in-person or videoconference interview
Have a positive attendance and progress record
Strong work ethic and determination to succeed
Written recommendation from Job Corps personnel
Have health clearance from a Job Corps center
Meet strenuous physical requirements

* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Job Corps, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.