As someone just getting into the cleantech industry and still feeling it out, like an adolescent boy getting his first girlfriend, I have found out something quite hopeful and exciting. That is that just about anyone, no matter your education, background, or goals can find the right job or position within the industry.

 

I came to this understanding while taking a HeatSpring Learning Institute solar installer training course. During the first morning of solar boot camp, the instructor—someone who has over 15 years of experience installing solar panels—said whether you are a business owner, electrician, contractor, or completely new to the industry, there is always a place along the solar value chain for everyone. The solar industry needs factory workers to produce the equipment, salesmen to get people to buy the panels, installers and electricians to put the panels up and wire them, and trainers to teach people how to do these jobs right. As I sat in the class half full of electricians, I realized how true that statement was. I would never wire a solar panel to someone’s home electrical panel, and not just because I could potentially burn their house down, but rather there are plenty of people who can already do that and I could find a more fitting position in the value chain. I could install, sell, or even start my own solar business. And I thought of this concept being true in almost all facets of the clean-tech industry.

As I feel out the solar industry I am constantly thinking about where I fit in and what I want to do. Should I install panels? Am I a salesman? Or am I learning the ins and outs of the industry to hopefully start my own business one day. Luckily, I don’t need to make that decision quite yet. For those of you thinking about getting into the clean-tech industry or making a career change towards it, I hope this message encourages you to think about what you are interested in and where you can make an impact within the industry.

If you’re new to clean-tech or if you’re a career changer, how much experience did you have for the current field or profession you’re in?

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