Each month The Veteran Asset and its training partners conduct solar photovoltaic training courses and provide placement services for military veterans and their qualified family members. Veteran students this month represent four U.S. military branches.

Murrieta, CA February 18, 2015

"Here in Southern California, with our proximity to Camp Pendleton and Miramar," said Steve Fulgham, President of The Veteran Asset (TVA), "it is typical to have a high number of Marines in our classes. This month, it was great to see a demonstration of diversity with four military branches represented. The variety of experience of these vets contributes to our goal of turning out multi-faceted and well-trained graduates. With workforce demand at record levels in the solar PV industry, their timing is perfect. We have employers ready to hire in as many as 14 states."

TVA has not only been successful training veterans, but has also experienced significant success in placing its graduates. To date, TVA reports that upwards of 80% of the graduates of their Entry Level Solar PV course have been placed with companies within the renewable energy sector.

"Our number one priority at TVA is finding jobs for veterans," continued Fulgham. "We believe that a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) credential substantially increases their workplace value, so on the last day of our 80-hour solar course, we proctor the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. Our training partner, Ambassador Energy, boasts a pass-rate almost twice the national average, so the odds are really good for our veterans to pass the exam. And, whether they pass or not, there are definitely jobs waiting for them."

Jobs currently available in the renewable energy space are installer, project manager, designer/drafter, sales, administration, information technician, inspector and maintenance tech. Fulgham concluded, "Having a diversity of experience represented by the varying military branches and associated specialties within each branch assures that, for many years to come, veterans should be able to find work in this industry."

The two-week Solar PV Design and Installation course offered by The Veteran Asset program, in conjunction with Mission Career College, is VA and Workforce Investment Act approved. It is offered each month in Murrieta, California, commencing on the second Monday of each month and runs 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday. Interested students should contact The Veteran Asset.

About The Veteran Asset (TVA)
Tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization, whose mission is to recruit, train and place U.S. military veterans into meaningful careers within the renewable energy sector.

About Ambassador Energy (AE)
IREC-accredited training provider with staff certified as NABCEP PV Installers and NABCEP PV Technical Sales.* CSLB #928112: General Contractor B, C10 Electrician and C46 Renewable Energy, providing design and installation of solar PV and solar training throughout the U.S. *fulgham/kelso