Ontario Solar Academy (OSA) graduated its 100th student since beginning its 5-Day PV Design & Installation classes in February of this year.

From electricians to roofers, retirees to recent college grads, the Toronto-based solar training program has attracted a diverse range of professionals eager to master essential technical and safety skills in solar PV installation.

Jacob Travis founded OSA shortly after CanSIA's December 2009 Conference when he learned how many solar companies were in need of trained professionals. He recounts, "Ontario just didn't have the training infrastructure necessary to support a growing solar industry. We launched OSA to change this."

The timing for a new, Ontario-focused, solar training program could not have been better. In the months prior to OSA's first class, the province unveiled the Green Energy Act, and solar businesses started popping up across the province.

"Our launch date was no coincidence," Travis states. "Like many others, I was anticipating the Green Energy Act to make Ontario the hottest solar market in the world." Ontario's government developed an ambitious strategy for creating 50,000 green jobs. OSA's goal is to help the province realize that objective.

Four months and 100 graduates later, OSA is off to a great start. David Gower, Associate Director, explains, "With the training we provide, our students are well poised to build upon the foundation of their own businesses or find positions in Ontario's growing solar industry." He adds, "We're proud about graduating our 100th student, and with our expanded facility, we're on target to exceed 500 by June next year."

OSA offers monthly training classes in the Toronto area. The next solar courses are June 21-25, July 19-23, and July 26-30. Students who register 3 or more weeks in advance qualify for a $350 discount. For more information on solar installation classes, visit www.SolarAcademy.ca.

About Ontario Solar Academy:

Ontario Solar Academy uses NABCEP learning objectives to quickly advance expertise in solar design and installation. Its 5-Day Solar PV Training includes hands-on workshops preparing students for NABCEP's PV Entry Level Exam.