Virginia Residential Solar & Energy Efficiency Workforce GAP Analysis meeting

The BPA outreach team had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Virginia Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency Workforce GAP Analysis workgroup meeting on May 5th. The objective of the meeting was to contribute valuable insights to the Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency workforce gap analysis report. The report aims to identify limitations in Virginia’s residential solar and energy efficiency workforce and suggest ways to improve the situation. The final report for the Virginia Needs Assessment is due to be completed by May 26th, 2023.

Throughout the meeting, our team had the opportunity to share the preliminary research findings and receive feedback from various stakeholders on current workforce programs, as well as licensing requirements in the residential solar and EE industries. Together, we identified and prioritized a list of critical issues to address in the report.

Notably, our team took the opportunity to enrich the gathering by providing an educational moment of Diversity, commemorating Cinco de Mayo by sharing a significant part of its history and celebration. The meeting kicked off with presentations by Virginia Energy, BPA, and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations, which covered regulations and licensure pathways to energy efficiency and solar careers.

Later on, a group brainstorming session led to fruitful discussions on the challenges and opportunities in licensing and credentialing, as well as career pathways. Department of Labor & Industry presented on apprenticeship programs, followed by a Q&A session. The gathering included many esteemed stakeholders, including Community Housing partners, Virginia Community College, and others who contributed greatly to the productive discussions.