Since the launch of the Solar Ready Vets program this past Spring, Solar Energy International (SEI) has led the technical trainings across the country at multiple military bases as part of a pilot solar installer training program for transitioning military personnel. The Energy Department’s SunShot Initiative launched the Solar Ready Vets program to connect our nation’s skilled veterans to the solar energy industry, preparing them for careers as solar photovoltaic (PV) system installers, sales representatives, system inspectors, and other solar-related occupations.
Solar Ready Vets is enabled by the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative, which allows exiting military personnel to pursue civilian job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships, and internships up to six months prior to their separation.
One of many shining alumni examples that have come out of this pilot program can be found through the immediate success Vicente Coronado has found in the solar industry after completing this program. Vicente’s story is only one of the many success stories that have come out of this program and there sure will be more to come.
U.S. Marines Veteran & Solar City’s Vicente Coronado
“Getting my training through SEI has provided me with the knowledge and experience that has allowed me to use my technical skills towards the solar industry for my fast accelerating career within the industry. I would like to say that all the instructors were very knowledgeable and did a great job making us understand all the technical concepts needed to break into this industry.
I am a very hands on person so the practical application was the best part of the training for me. Having all the class work all paid off as soon as we were outside being able to apply what we had learned in class.
I started working with SolarCity March 30th, 2015 as an Apprentice. The knowledge I gained from the SEI training program and my determination has resulted in me being promoted to a Senior Installer all within three months, and I will not stop there. The company I work for has provided me the opportunity to go as far as my determination will take me, so growing is all on the individual and I accept the invitation.” – Vicente Coronado
