Solar Training and Apprentice Programs

To ensure high quality installations continue in Oregon OSEIA sponsors training programs for renewable energy electricians and solar plumbers. OSEIA members are also entitled to reduced tuition at any OSEIA sponsored courses.

Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)

LRT's are regulated in the same way that all other electricians in the state of Oregon are: through the Building Codes Division (BCD) and the Electrical and Elevator Board. More information on the LRT and the BCD is available on the BCD website .

The LRT specialty electrician license has a companion electrical contractor license (Limited Renewable Energy Contractor (CLR)) which allows the renewable energy technician to pull permits. The CLR is a specialty electrical contractor license available from the BCD.

The CLR contractor license presents opportunities for both LRT's and Journeyman Electricians. Both LRT's and Journeyman Electricians can obtain a CLR contractor license and open their own Renewable Energy Business. See the BCD website for more information.

For a more comprehensive guide on how to become a legal solar installer in the state of Oregon, please refer to the Solar Installations in Oregon white paper.

LRT Apprentice Program

The Limited Renewable Energy Technician Apprentice program is a 4,000 hour specialty electrician program. This work can be completed in two years provided the apprentice is working full time, but in many cases extends beyond that due to work flow and some seasonal shift in the amount of work available.

There are 2 main requirements for the program: On the Job Training (OJT- the actual work) and Related Training (RT - required educational courses).

The OJT requirement is 4000 hours total. These hours are obtained through working with one or more approved 'training agents' (the contractors). Most apprentices will perform the bulk of their OJT hours with one training agent, but are allowed and encouraged to work for more than one in the course of their apprenticeship to gain a broader view of the work and methods of performing it. 

The Related Training requirement is 144 hours/year for the first year and 24 hours per year each additional year. This is equivalent to about four 3-credit community college courses/year. These courses are available throughout Oregon at local community college apprentice programs, as well as some related training opportunities offered by OSEIA.

The LRT Apprentice program is approved through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) so we are held to strict state requirements. One requirement is an apprentice wage schedule. Currently the average journeyman LRT wage in Oregon is $20. The program is broken down into 4 periods and each period has a minimum wage:

50% -> 0-1000 hrs ($10.00/hr)
60% -> 1001-2000 hrs ($12.00/hr)
70% -> 2001-3000 hrs ($14.00/hr)
80% -> 3001-4000 hrs ($16.00/hr)

The minimum wages above are mandated by the program. Any wage above the minimum is ok and negotiated between the apprentice and the Training Agent.

For more information on the program contact the program administrators at:

Erik Westerholm
Northwest Energy Education Program
Lane Community College
541-463-5798
WesterholmE@lanecc.edu

The Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL)

A licensed STL is legally allowed to install, maintain, and repair all elements of a solar hot water system except the final connection to a potable water source (which must be performed by a licensed journeyman plumber).

STLs are regulated in the same way that all other plumbers in the state of Oregon are: through the Building Codes Division (BCD) plumbing division.  More information on the LRT and the BCD is available on the BCD website .

For a more comprehensive guide on how to become a legal solar installer in the state of Oregon, please refer to the Solar Installations in Oregon white paper.

STL Apprentice Program

The STL plumbing license is a specialty plumbing license allowing individuals to install solar thermal systems without going through a full plumbing apprenticeship.  All individuals who install solar thermal systems in Oregon are required to obtain one of these two licenses (STL or Plumbing).

There are 2 main requirements for the STL Apprenticeship program: On the Job Training (OJT- the actual work) and Related Training (RT - required educational courses).

The OJT requirement is 2000 hours total. These hours are obtained through working with one or more approved 'training agents' (the contractors). In the beginning it is imperative that the apprentice be actively involved in obtaining work. The STL apprentice committee can provide contact information and possible leads, however, the bulk of obtaining the work is up to the apprentice.

The Related Training requirement is 144 hours for the first year and 24 each following year. These hours are available as distance learning coordinated through the RE JATC (Renewable Energy Joint Apprentice Training Committee) as well as classroom hours available from community colleges and other organizations around the state.  Most of the apprentice courses are offered in the evening to allow OJT during the day.

The STL Apprentice program is approved through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). One requirement is an apprentice wage schedule. Currently the average journeyman STL wage in Oregon is $20. The program is broken down into 4 periods and each period has a minimum wage:

50% -> 0-1000 hrs ($10.00/hr)
60% -> 1000-2000 hrs ($12.00/hr)

For more information on the program contact the program administrators at:
Erik Westerholm
Northwest Energy Education Program
Lane Community College
541-463-5798
WesterholmE@lanecc.edu