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Training the Workforce of the Future

A core value of Renewable Energy Partners.

Comprehensive Workforce Training Programs

Jobs in clean energy and solutions for climate change are some of the fastest growing and best paying jobs in the nation. Through its affiliated company, Northgate Development, Renewable Energy Partners is offering skills training and career opportunities in these fields that will help make our communities greener, healthier and more resilient. Classes at the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center in North Minneapolis are free and easily accessible by public transit. Most courses include opportunities for paid on-the-job learning as well as industry-certified skills that are recognized by employers. Fill out the contact form below, and we will get back to you within two business days.

Team participating in a training class
Team training

Upcoming Training

Upcoming Solar PV Installation Training at the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center
1200 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
 

Solar PV Installation Cohort #1

  • February 20 -March 1, 2023  | 9am-5pm
  • Testing Date: March 2nd | half day
Solar PV Installation Cohort #2
  • April 10-April 19, 2023  | 9am-5pm
  • Testing Date: April 20, 2023 | half day

Solar PV Installation Cohort #3

  • May 8 – May 17, 2023  | 9am-5pm
  • Testing Date: May 18, 2023 |half day

The Solar training will be administered by Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). The NABCEP PV Certification Test will be administered at the end of the 56 hour Solar PV training.

A credential program intended for people who currently working in the industry or seeking employment in the renewable energy industry. No experience or prerequisites required.

Solar PV Installation Coursework

Working with Electricity (G 108 | 8 hours)
This eight-hour course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work, and
how to stay safe when working with or near electricity. Also includes hands-on labs to reinforce and solidify the learning objectives of the course.
Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101 | 8 hours)
This course uses a combination of lecture and classroom activities to teach the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Participants will learn
how PV systems work, diagram the four PV system types, describe and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads, and understand the basics of PV site assessment.
PV Site Assessment (PV 201 | 8 hours)
This course uses classroom discussion, exercises, and activities to demonstrate how to perform a PV site assessment for a home or small business. Students are provided with the MREA PV Site Assessment Report Template and the MREA’s PV Cost Modeling tool. Topics covered in this course include load profiles and consumption history, energy efficiency and fuel switching opportunities, site-specific shade analysis,
array and balance of system location recommendation parameters, and client financing options. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific PV system sizing, determine energy production of a recommended PV.
PV System Design (PV 202 | 16 hours)
This course uses a series of presentations, exercises, calculators, and tools to teach the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility-interactive residential (or small commercial) PV system. Participants will use site assessments, manufacturer specification sheets, and case studies to learn about selecting appropriate equipment, sizing a PV system, planning the physical layout, and calculating electrical
values of voltage, current, power, and energy.
PV Labs Design & Scenarios (PV 304 | 8 hours)
This 8-hour course is designed to demonstrate PV system design principles through construction of two portable lab systems. Participants will work from line diagrams and component specification sheets to build a grid-interconnected PV system and a battery-based PV system. After assembly, students will verify proper mechanical and electrical connections and commission each system. In addition, students will work in
small teams to develop PV system designs that meet site analysis, system sizing, and configuration requirements given in several design scenarios.
NABCEP Exam Prep Course (PV 220 | 4 hours)

Coming in 2023!

HVAC Training

This course will provide students with the entry level knowledge and skills required to safely install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair today’s technologically advanced HVAC/R systems.
Through lecture, demonstration and hands-on instruction, students will experience real world training in today’s demanding HVAC-R trade.

Each student will be prepared and required to pass the EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification exam by Esco Institute, which allows you to legally handle refrigerants. Certification ensures you have a solid understanding of the refrigeration cycle and proper handling of CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants.
540 Hour training (10 weeks).

Upon completion of the course, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of furnaces, air conditioners and boilers. You will also be prepared to take the State of Minnesota Special Engineers Boiler Operator License.

Subjects covered in this program will be the following:

  • Principles of thermodynamics.
  • Principles of electricity; low and high voltage.
  • Understanding of electrical circuits and wiring diagrams.
  • Troubleshooting, diagnostics and proper maintenance of HVAC systems.
  • The science of buildings and indoor air quality.
  • Tools of the trade; the various types, their applications and purposes.
  • Safety; Understanding the principles of on the job safety.
  • Piping; the various types of material, their applications and how to service and install piping in different systems.
  • Electric Vehicle Installation Training Coming Soon! 

CORE Training

The Introduction to the Construction and Building Trades (ICBT) is designed to give students the skills they need to be excellent candidates for entry level construction positions. We will introduce students to several different trades while emphasizing critical manual skills and incorporating employability training for long-term success and job retention. The curriculum is based on industry and employer feedback and is consistent with the Carpenters International Training Fund curriculum. 

Students will learn about the career paths available within each trade, as well as educational options for advancing within the trade. In the classroom, students learn the relevant vocabulary, math skills, and plan reading skills that they are likely to encounter within each trade. In the shop, those skills are reinforced with practical, hands-on applications that mimic the basic tasks they’ll be expected to perform on the job site. 

ICBT includes an introduction to:

  • Safety and Industry-Basic Math
  • Hand and Power Tools 
  • Employability Skills 
  • Plan Reading 
  • Concrete Masonry & Finishing 
  • Floor Framing 
  • Wall Framing 
  • Roof Framing 
  • Roof Finishing 
  • Exterior Finishing 
  • Insulation & Drywall 
  • Interior Finish 
  • Plumbing 
  • Electrical 
  • HVAC 

ICBT certifications: 

  • CPR / First Aid / AED 
  • OSHA 10 
  • ICBT Completion 

Training Registration

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