Apprenticeship Opportunities Grow to Meet the Workforce Demands of the Clean Energy Sector and Other In-Demand Industries in the U.S.

One of the workforce trends that has become prominent this year is apprenticeship programs. Smart CEOs and leaders recognize the importance of these career training opportunities, combined with on-the-job learning (and earning) with classroom instruction, while also giving students hands-on work experience in on-demand career pathways – such as the growing U.S. clean energy sector. According to Forbes, the U.S. added nearly 42,000 apprenticeship opportunities in 2024, which is a 6.5% increase over last year. As the demand for apprenticeship programs grows – led by both employers and educational institutions – state government support is also on the rise. When the National Conference of State Legislators met in February, apprenticeships were one of six workforce development themes on the docket. States across the country, including California, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, are developing legislation to promote these career-focused education opportunities, including providing funding to expand access. In Georgia, for example, a newly created Public Service Apprenticeship Program would train and employ apprentices in state and local government jobs.

Why Apprenticeship Programs Are a Key Component of Workforce Development

1. Bridging the Skills Gap – They provide workers with specialized career and on-the-job training aligned with the needs of employers and in-demand industries, helping to build a pipeline of skilled talent. Some programs also provide credentialing and licensing opportunities for graduates, setting them on a clear path to career success.
2. Reducing Barriers to Employment – Apprenticeship programs offer an opportunity to earn-while-you-learn. This opens up in-demand career pathways to more individuals and they acquire the skills and experience to access high-earning careers.  
3. Employee Engagement and Retention – Offering apprenticeship and training opportunities is an underrated way to help increase employee engagement and retention. As a result, this saves companies money due to reduced employee turnover. Additionally, improved employee loyalty is often linked to providing clear career pathways and a chance to gain the skills and experience needed to move up internally.
4. Fostering Innovation and Competitiveness – To meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce, employers need trained workers with the in-demand skills that their industry requires. Enhancing career readiness helps improve innovation, collaboration, and competitiveness.

On-the-Job Training to Meet the Demands of the Clean Energy Sector 

One of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. is clean energy. Skilled talent is needed to meet the demands of solar, wind, EV infrastructure, and energy efficiency employers nationwide. Apprenticeships are playing a major role in transforming how employers find and train people to meet corporate growth goals in this sector. These training opportunities are a pipeline to in-demand career opportunities that are highly paid and available across the country.

Here’s how apprenticeships are helping develop the clean energy workforce of the future:

• Meeting Workforce Demand – The skilled workforce demands of the clean energy sector are growing in response to the government’s clean energy goals. Employers are shaping apprenticeship programs to address their technical requirements, ensuring program graduates are job-ready and hit the ground running.
• Upskilling for In-Demand Careers – Apprenticeship opportunities offered by employers and training providers provide hands-on career experience in new technologies like solar panel installation and wind turbine maintenance. To meet the clean energy goals of the future, the number of available job opportunities in these areas will continue to expand – along with the technology and career skills needed to secure them.
• Collaborative Workforce Development – Apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector provide an opportunity for partners to work together to meet the needs of their community. While the U.S. Department of Energy and state-run apprenticeship programs are training workers for solar energy roles across the country, industry organizations and state and local programs also offer apprenticeship opportunities. 

Apprenticeship opportunities already play a vital role in preparing the U.S. to meet the skilled workforce requirements of the future – including to fuel the rapidly expanding clean energy industry. Creating a pipeline of skilled workers who have gained hands-on career training is a key requirement of a sustainable economy in the U.S. and around the world – and community partnerships are powering the career-learning opportunities the country needs to meet its workforce development needs.