IBEW LOCAL 300 PLANS 'SOLAR INDUSTRY NIGHT' FOR DEC. 3
South Burlington, Vt. - (Nov. 25, 2008) - The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 will hold a Solar Industry Night to educate business owners about renewable energy training for electricians.
The open house-style event - slated for Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Vermont's Waterman Building Room 427 - is open to all electrical and solar contractors who want to learn about the union's new solar photovoltaic energy systems training, the only year-round course of its kind in the state. Accompanied by contractors and electricians that have already completed the program, IBEW Local 300 staffers Jean Watkins and Matt Lash will present about the solar training and the union as a whole. Renewable Energy Vermont Executive Director Andrew Perchlik is also scheduled to speak about the green economy and the importance of the IBEW Local 300 solar initiative.
"The demand for a Solar Industry Night was definitely clear. Since we announced our solar program in October, calls and e-mails have been coming in at a steady pace," said Watkins, Local 300's training director. "Attendees will hear firsthand about how this program can prepare them to enter the renewable energy sector and enhance their
competitive edge."
IBEW Local 300 recently began solar training as an enhancement to its existing five-year electrical regimen. Utilizing framework developed by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, trainees learn about the fundamentals, design and installation of solar photovoltaic technology through both classroom and hands-on components. Initially, at least four eight-person classes will be held per calendar year, with each lasting about 40 hours over 10 weeks at the union's state-of-the-art South Burlington facility. The program was jumpstarted by a $65,263 Vermont Department of Labor Workforce Education and Training (WETF) grant and a $35,000 donation from Entergy Nuclear-Vermont Yankee, an IBEW employer that produces one-third of the state's electricity.