White Earth Tribal and Community College's Solar Certificate Program

Together, RREAL and WETCC created a solar training certificate program hosted by the college that would provide a strong base for a career in the fast-growing solar industry. The program is a 45-hour solar photovoltaic class that allows students to earn their registered unlicensed individual certification. This certification allows them to work on solar job sites and provides a solid start to becoming a NABCEP-certified solar installer.

Within the native community, there’s always a need for good work, and this is a technology and skill set we can offer the community that will allow these students to go out and get some good paying jobs,” says RREAL instructor George Lemelin.

George has lived in the White Earth community for nearly two decades and first began dabbling with solar technology more than twenty years ago. He helped launch the training course in 2020 and so far, has seen about 20 students complete the 45-hour training course. He was also instrumental in connecting his students with a paid, on-the-job training opportunity through a partnership with Minnesota Power.