Solar Field Trainer

Description

About AOE International

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

Solar Field Training

• 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.

Practical Skills Development

• 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.

Solar Industry and Jobsite Readiness

• 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