WUNC: “Both of these young men are part of the North Carolina Clean Energy Youth Apprenticeship Program. Evans is taking the solar energy route, while Jimenez is learning about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
The pilot of this program launched last year. This summer, the program has doubled in size. This program is the first of its kind in the country.
The program is part of a larger plan, called Steps4Growth, to expand a clean energy workforce across North Carolina as the state quickly moves to lower carbon emissions. Bipartisan legislation passed last year requires North Carolina to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Organizers of Steps4Growth hope to expand the program statewide with a $25 million federal grant that could be awarded soon.
Right now, the two-month summer program offers two modules: solar energy and HVAC.
The solar energy module is based at Halifax Community College. For the first few weeks, students take different classes, such as OSHA and the fundamentals of solar. Students also take classes that teach problem solving and workplace skills.
The last half of the module involves hands on training provided by companies like Strata Clean Energy, a solar company, and Roanoke Electric. At the end of the summer, Strata may offer students an apprenticeship.”