Entering the solar trade in Canon City, CO, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while earning. These programs typically last two to three years and require a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 279,447 solar professionals nationwide, with a significant presence in Colorado, and projects a 167% job growth from 2010 to 2023. Apprentices in Canon City earn an average of $659 per week, with experienced solar professionals often exceeding $100,000 annually. Training programs, community colleges, and organizations like NABCEP help aspiring solar technicians find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and significant growth in the renewable energy sector.