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NES Teams Up With Goodwill, TVA and Accenture to Launch Clean Energy Jobs Training Program in Middle Tennessee

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Solar Installer Training Program Unveiled Today To Provide Students With Hands-On Training

This week NES, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Accenture and General Motors hosted an open house to celebrate a new clean energy jobs training program – the first of its kind in Tennessee. 

The training program focuses on Solar and Storage Installation and is part of Goodwill Industries International’s Clean Tech Accelerator Program. NES and TVA provided financial support for a mobile solar training lab that will be used throughout Goodwill Middle Tennessee’s 48-county territory as well as other training expenses for the onsite and mobile training experiences.

The program offers a free four-week hands-on technical training and employment readiness preparation for jobs in the solar industry. Participants will learn the fundamentals of solar and storage installation and maintenance and have the opportunity to meet with potential employers. The first round of training kicked off with eight students and was completed on February 9. Five additional training cohorts will run through 2024.

“As solar energy continues to expand in Middle Tennessee, we will see the demand for qualified solar technicians increase,” said NES President and CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin. “NES is proud to partner with Goodwill of Middle Tennessee and TVA on this important initiative. These graduates will not only help our region expand and grow, but it will also be life-changing for the participants as they begin their career journeys in an emerging industry.

Participants of the program will have access to a rapidly growing, exciting industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we can expect a 51% growth in solar installer jobs between 2020 and 2030.

For more information about the upcoming solar courses, please visit giveit2goodwill.org/solar.