From Combat Boots to Solar Power: Arizona Empowers Veterans with Job Training and Opportunities

On Veterans Day, communities have numerous opportunities to support veterans beyond traditional parades and flag displays. While symbolic gestures are appreciated, real help comes in the form of reliable employment options that provide veterans with purpose and direction. Having navigated the difficult journey from military to civilian life, I understand the significance of finding jobs that value veterans’ unique skills and experience.

The solar industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, expanding by 25%. This trajectory has been fueled by federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, decreasing installation costs, and a rising demand for clean energy solutions across sectors. Annually, around 200,000 servicemen and women transition back to civilian life, and the burgeoning solar sector presents an ideal opportunity for them. Veterans possess valuable attributes such as discipline and a strong work ethic, making them well-suited for this rapidly evolving industry.

As of 2023, the U.S. solar energy workforce comprises over 279,000 individuals, with Arizona ranking among the top ten states for solar employment, housing 9,726 jobs in this field. The industry’s expansion accentuates the need for skilled workers who can navigate its technical demands.

The discipline instilled through military training equips veterans not only with technical skills but also with an exceptional work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and strong team dynamics. These qualities are crucial in the solar field, which is continuously evolving and requires dedicated personnel to adapt and innovate.

Employing veterans does more than provide them with meaningful work. It also addresses the need for competent individuals in the clean energy sphere, creating a mutually beneficial scenario. Veterans can seamlessly integrate into civilian roles that match their capabilities, while companies gain from their dedication and expertise in an expanding industry that contributes to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Initiatives to connect veterans with solar job opportunities are gaining momentum. Programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office’s Solar Ready Vets Network and 50Strong facilitate access to training and hiring prospects for veterans, active duty members, and military families.

With new funding allocated in 2023, the Solar Ready Vets Network aims to expand its reach, enhancing the pipeline for military-connected talent within the solar sector. The initiative will leverage existing Department of Defense-approved SkillBridge programs for a seamless transition into rewarding solar careers.

Moreover, this funding will pursue the development of Registered Apprenticeship Programs tailored to the solar industry’s demands. These programs seek to recruit veterans into roles that align with solar career pathways, fostering mentorship opportunities and facilitating connections between veteran talent and solar employers.

Veterans seeking solar job openings can also utilize resources like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Employment Center. By visiting their online job finder and searching for “solar” along with their location, veterans can uncover nearby job opportunities in the solar industry.

This Veterans Day, consider a meaningful way to honor those who served by presenting them with opportunities in the thriving solar sector. From installers to electricians and designers, the solar industry offers diverse roles where veterans can excel. Together, we can pay tribute to their service by equipping them with purposeful careers that benefit both them and society.

JoAnna Mendoza, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) and Co-Executive Director of VetsForward.