Entering the solar trade in Washington, DC often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while earning a wage. These apprenticeships typically last two to four years, requiring a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of technical instruction annually. The U.S. Department of Labor has approved guidelines for these programs, creating standardized pathways for training and career development in the solar industry. With the solar industry employing 53,483 workers in the U.S. as of 2024, and an average wage of $601.26 per week, apprentices in Washington, DC can expect to earn a competitive wage while gaining the skills needed for a career in this rapidly growing field.
