Entry Level Solar Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Description

AOE International is a nonprofit organization focused on community support, workforce development and education. We partner with public agencies, employers and community organizations to expand access to occupational training, industry-recognized credentials and sustainable employment opportunities.

Our workforce-development programs prepare participants for careers in construction, clean energy and related skilled trades.

AOE International is seeking an experienced Solar Field Trainer to provide practical, hands-on solar installation training to adult learners at the Vienna Correctional Center in Vienna, Illinois.

The Solar Field Trainer will prepare participants for entry-level employment in the solar and clean-energy industries by teaching the tools, techniques, safety practices and workplace expectations used on active solar installation projects. The trainer will lead demonstrations, supervise simulated installations, evaluate student performance and help participants develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed as members of a solar installation crew.

This is a hands-on training position designed for an experienced solar installer, lead installer, crew lead, foreman, electrician, site supervisor or field trainer who is comfortable demonstrating installation work and coaching individuals with limited industry experience.

Formal classroom teaching experience is preferred but is not required. Candidates who have trained apprentices, new installers or field crews are encouraged to apply.

• Deliver hands-on training in the fundamentals of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic installation.
• Demonstrate proper methods for receiving, staging, transporting and handling solar modules, racking components, electrical equipment and installation materials.
• Teach students how to identify and safely use common solar installation tools, hand tools, power tools and electrical testing equipment.
• Demonstrate proper measurement, layout, assembly and installation techniques for solar mounting and racking systems.
• Train students in the placement, lifting, positioning and securing of photovoltaic modules.
• Provide practical instruction in wire management, conduit preparation, equipment labeling, grounding and bonding.
• Introduce students to the installation and basic functions of inverters, disconnects, combiner boxes, batteries and other balance-of-system components.
• Demonstrate proper jobsite setup, equipment organization, material control and end-of-day cleanup procedures.
• Teach introductory system inspection, testing, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting practices.
• Reinforce installation quality standards and explain how workmanship affects system safety, performance and reliability.
• Connect training activities to the responsibilities and expectations of entry-level solar installers.

• Organize and lead simulated solar installation projects in a controlled training environment.
• Assign students to crew-style roles and rotate responsibilities to develop teamwork and jobsite readiness.
• Demonstrate installation procedures before allowing students to perform tasks independently.
• Observe students during hands-on exercises and provide immediate coaching and corrective instruction.
• Evaluate students on tool use, safety, installation quality, productivity, communication and teamwork.
• Conduct practical skills assessments and document student performance.
• Provide additional demonstrations, practice opportunities and reassessments when needed.
• Adapt training exercises to accommodate different experience, literacy and technical skill levels.
• Help students develop the speed, accuracy, consistency and attention to detail expected by solar employers.
• Ensure students understand not only how to complete each task but why the procedure is necessary.

• Introduce students to the solar project lifecycle, including site assessment, design, permitting, installation, inspection, interconnection, commissioning and maintenance.
• Explain common solar-industry career paths, including installer, lead installer, electrician, operations and maintenance technician, site assessor, crew lead and project supervisor.
• Teach students how solar installation crews are structured and how work is assigned and supervised.
• Reinforce jobsite expectations related to attendance, punctuality, productivity, communication and professionalism.
• Teach students how to follow instructions, ask appropriate questions and report jobsite concerns.
• Incorporate teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution and workplace communication into practical exercises.
• Discuss common employer expectations, advancement opportunities and industry-recognized credentials.
• Help students translate their training and practical experience into marketable qualifications.

• Deliver practical instruction in solar, construction and electrical safety.
• Teach the proper selection, inspection and use of personal protective equipment.
• Demonstrate safe lifting, material handling and equipment-moving techniques.
• Provide instruction in ladder safety, fall prevention, fall protection and working-at-height awareness.
• Teach electrical hazard recognition, lockout/tagout awareness and safe work practices around energized and de-energized equipment.
• Reinforce hazard communication, housekeeping, heat-stress prevention and emergency-response procedures.
• Conduct safety briefings before hands-on training activities.
• Correct unsafe behavior immediately and document safety concerns when required.
• Maintain an orderly, professional and OSHA-conscious training environment.
• Support OSHA-10 instruction and certification activities as authorized and required by the program.

• Maintain strict accountability for all tools, equipment, materials and instructional supplies.
• Complete tool and equipment inventories before and after each training session.
• Maintain accurate tool-control logs, equipment-issuance records and material inventories.
• Inspect tools and equipment regularly for damage, defects or unsafe conditions.
• Remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service and report concerns promptly.
• Ensure tools and materials are stored securely in approved storage areas.
• Follow all AOE International and Illinois Department of Corrections procedures concerning tool control, restricted materials and facility security.
• Maintain appropriate instructor supervision whenever students are using tools or equipment.
• Immediately report missing tools, damaged equipment, safety incidents or security concerns.

• Provide structured, respectful and supportive training to justice-impacted adult learners.
• Use adult-learning, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Break installation procedures into clear, manageable steps.
• Assist students who need additional support with measurements, construction math, technical terminology or written instructions.
• Provide individual coaching, tutoring and additional practice when needed.
• Establish clear expectations for behavior, participation, safety and performance.
• Provide timely, specific and constructive feedback.
• Help students build confidence while maintaining appropriate performance and safety standards.
• Maintain professional boundaries and consistently enforce program and facility rules.
• Encourage accountability, persistence and continuous improvement.

• Support the delivery of applicable solar, construction and clean-energy training curricula.
• Assist with NCCER Core instruction, hands-on performance profiles and related credentialing activities when required.
• Reinforce construction safety, construction math, hand and power tools, material handling, communication and employability skills.
• Support OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR and other certification activities in coordination with authorized instructors.
• Align hands-on training exercises with program outcomes and industry-recognized standards.
• Prepare practical assignments, demonstrations and printed instructional materials.
• Assist with curriculum review and recommend updates based on current solar-industry practices.
• Maintain familiarity with developments in photovoltaic equipment, installation methods and employer expectations.

• Coordinate daily with facility personnel regarding schedules, participant movement, training-space access and security procedures.
• Maintain a consistent trainer presence during all scheduled instructional and practical training activities.
• Complete attendance records, student evaluations, assessment documentation and progress reports accurately and on time.
• Document student competency, safety performance and areas requiring improvement.
• Communicate student progress, behavioral concerns, safety issues and instructional needs to program leadership.
• Contribute information needed for credentialing, grant, contract and performance reporting.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional-development activities and technical-assistance sessions.
• Coordinate with instructors, case managers, workforce staff and transition personnel.
• Assist with equipment planning, supply requests and training-space organization.
• Support resume preparation, mock interviews and employment-readiness activities when requested.

Requirements

• At least three years of professional experience in solar installation, electrical work, construction, renewable energy or a closely related skilled trade.
• Hands-on knowledge of photovoltaic installation practices, tools, equipment, materials and jobsite procedures.
• Experience as a solar installer, lead installer, crew lead, foreman, site supervisor, electrician, quality-control specialist, field trainer or comparable professional.
• Experience training, supervising, mentoring or coaching apprentices, new employees, students or installation crews.
• Ability to safely demonstrate solar installation and construction tasks.
• Knowledge of solar, construction and electrical safety practices.
• Ability to explain technical procedures clearly to individuals with limited previous industry experience.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with strict safety, security and tool-control procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with adult learners from diverse educational, employment and personal backgrounds.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the Vienna Correctional Center.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, facility-clearance procedures, orientations and security training.