Solar Interns, First in Line for those Ever-Multiplying Jobs
Solar companies are growing and the clean-tech industry is likely to key in any economic revitalization plan coming out of the new administration in Washington. Solar companies and the industry as a whole are more than aware that the key to competitiveness in such an environment is a knowledgeable and experienced base of employees. Hence many companies are offering solar internships to students in related fields.
It is a win-win situation. The company gets an inside look at the employees of the future and students get an inside look at where a career in solar energy can take them. If you are a college student looking for a foot in the door of the solar industry, here are some available avenues for gaining valuable experience.
Colleges and Universities
Check with your college or university about solar internships. Many learning institutions are working with local, state, federal agencies, and private companies to connect students with green-collar internships; usually for college credits!
Location, Location, Location
The fact is that solar companies are popping up in every region of the United States and abroad. A prospective solar intern may need only look at where he or she wants to go. Pick a place or region and inquire at local solar companies about possible intern positions.
Job Boards
There are several online green job boards that often have internship listings as well. Here are a few:
- Renewable Energy World
- American Solar Energy Society
- EcoJobs
- Treehugger
- The Department of Energy – Energy Internships
Even if no internships are available, these job boards are valuable tools when it comes time to seek a career in solar energy.
The Solar Living Institute (SLI)
SLI offers hands-on internships in all levels of sustainable work and living; from installing solar panels to sustainable gardening. These four-month internships are unpaid and rather rustic (interns are provided with a meal-stipend and housing during colder months) but provide an intimate experience in green living.
Community
A college education is getting so expensive it is nearing ludicrousness. Meanwhile poverty is on the rise. With that and the awesome opportunity represented by green-collar jobs in mind, community organizations such as the Oakland Green Job Corps are standing up to offer low-income students a chance in the green economy. What’s going on in your community?
Unfortunately there is still no online resource for seekers of solar internships. Perhaps that is a sign that the budding industry does not yet have a high value placed on interns or that there is not yet a wide enough base of prospective interns available. Either way all that is set to change. Green-collar jobs are destined to play a massive role in our economy and, as is true in any field, interns will be first in line for those ever-multiplying jobs.
Solar Training – Boots on the Roof
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Photo Credit: Travis Isaac’s
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Posted on December 16th in Solar Information by Dan.