Renewable Energy Trades
REWUI and apprenticeship programs connect both the global green workforce and economy by developing skilled workers, protecting labor standards and ensuring the green economy delivers sustainable careers as well as sustainable energy.
Apprenticeship Programs
Career Pathways in Global Workforce Development and Training
The following apprenticeship programs are currently being developed and will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor for registration. REWUI is actively building curriculum, employer partnerships, and training infrastructure for each of these trades.
Each pathway below includes a full program overview, the skills apprentices will learn, program duration, and job outlook data — so you know exactly what to expect and where each trade can take your career.
Solar Energy
2–4 YearsApprentices learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot photovoltaic (PV) solar systems on residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. Training covers electrical fundamentals, panel mounting, inverter systems, grid interconnection, and safety protocols.
Skills You'll Learn
- PV system design & installation
- Electrical wiring & conduit work
- Inverter & battery storage systems
- Roof safety & fall protection
- Grid interconnection & net metering
EV Charging Infrastructure
2–3 YearsApprentices in this program learn to install, maintain, and service electric vehicle charging stations for residential, commercial, fleet, and public infrastructure applications. Training covers electrical systems, network connectivity, and the rapidly expanding EV ecosystem.
Skills You'll Learn
- Level 1, 2 & DC fast charger installation
- Electrical panel upgrades & load management
- Network configuration & smart charging systems
- Conduit installation & wiring
- Troubleshooting & preventive maintenance
Hydrogen & Clean Fuels
2–4 YearsThis program prepares workers for careers in the production, storage, and distribution of clean fuels including green hydrogen, biodiesel, ethanol, and synthetic natural gas. Apprentices learn chemistry fundamentals, production processes, and safety standards for handling alternative fuels.
Skills You'll Learn
- Hydrogen production & storage
- Biofuel & ethanol processing
- Pipeline & distribution systems
- Chemical safety & handling
- Quality control & testing
Municipal Solid Waste to Energy
2–3 YearsApprentices in this trade learn to operate and maintain waste-to-energy conversion facilities that transform municipal solid waste into electricity, drinkable water, steam, and hydrogen. Training covers plant operations, emissions monitoring, and environmental compliance.
Skills You'll Learn
- Waste processing & sorting systems
- Combustion & gasification technology
- Emissions monitoring & compliance
- Plant operations & control systems
- Environmental health & safety
Carbon Capture Technology
2–4 YearsCarbon capture apprentices learn to operate systems that remove CO₂ from industrial emissions and the atmosphere. This emerging field combines engineering, chemistry, and environmental science to address climate change at the source.
Skills You'll Learn
- CO₂ capture & compression systems
- Industrial process monitoring
- Pipeline & sequestration operations
- Environmental compliance & reporting
- Instrumentation & control systems
Green Construction
3–5 YearsUnion members in this trade will learn net-zero energy-efficient construction methods using and sustainable materials. Apprentices learn to build and retrofit structures that meet modern environmental standards and reduce carbon footprints.
Skills You'll Learn
- Energy-efficient building techniques
- Green materials & insulation systems
- LEED & sustainable building standards
- Building envelope & weatherization
- Blueprint reading & project management
Smart Grid & Utility Infrastructure
3–4 YearsApprentices learn to install, operate, and maintain the advanced electrical grid infrastructure that supports the integration of renewable energy sources. Training covers smart meters, grid automation, cybersecurity, and the digital systems that modernize power delivery.
Skills You'll Learn
- Smart meter installation & configuration
- Grid automation & SCADA systems
- Substation operations & maintenance
- Cybersecurity for utility systems
- Renewable energy grid integration
Energy Efficiency & Building Performance
2–3 YearsThis program trains workers to assess, retrofit, and optimize buildings for maximum energy efficiency. Apprentices learn building science, HVAC systems, insulation, and diagnostic tools to reduce energy consumption in residential and commercial structures.
Skills You'll Learn
- Building energy audits & assessments
- HVAC systems & heat pump installation
- Insulation, air sealing & weatherization
- Energy modeling & performance testing
- Lighting upgrades & controls
Ready to Start Your Green Career?
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