Obama launched the new initiative by introducing the Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Ready Vets program, which will help drive growth in the solar industry while also contributing to the DOE's goal to train 75,000 workers in the solar industry across the country by 2020. The program is expanding to 10 military bases across the country, including Utah's Hill Air Force Base.
The Solar Ready Vets program will train transitioning military service individuals for careers in the solar industry as installers, sales representatives, system inspectors and other solar-related occupations. Vivint Solar, a provider of residential solar energy systems in the United States, is a recruiting partner in the national solar energy initiative presented by President Obama April 3 at Utah's Hill Air Force base.
"The solar industry is growing rapidly, adding jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy," said Greg Butterfield, CEO of Vivint Solar. "We are excited to see the 'Solar Ready Vets' program expand and we will continue to support our nation's veterans in our hiring programs."
Vivint Solar extended job offers to all 20 graduates of the United States DOE's 'Reach for the Sun' program in February and plans to continue to offer jobs to veterans and new solar workers as the industry grows.
Lance Futch, current Vivint Solar CAD designer and active member of the Utah National Guard, represented the company at a round table discussion with President Obama in Utah. Futch is one of the 1,063 Utah residents employed by Vivint Solar in Utah.
