Discover your options for training programs in renewable energy. Read our guide on starting or transitioning into careers in renewable energy today.
The renewable energy industry is evolving rapidly in the Four Corners region and across the nation, making it an exciting time to pursue energy careers in multiple sectors, local and national government, technology, and more. These jobs and their advancement opportunities typically require specialized training for those new to the workforce or transitioning careers.
Whether you’re looking to shift from your current profession or start fresh in the field, understanding your options is the first step toward stable, rewarding work in the energy sector. Read our guide to learn what you need to know if you want to start a career in the future of renewable and sustainable energy.
Why Choose a Career in Renewable Energy?
The renewable energy sector offers compelling opportunities for first-time college students, current traditional energy workers, and tradespeople in other industries, from hands-on service roles to project management, policy, or other roles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that wind turbine technicians and solar installers will see an increase in job demand by 48% and 60% between 2023 and 2024, much faster than average job growth across occupations. According to E2’s 2023 report, New Mexico is the fifth fastest-growing state for renewable energy jobs.
- Strong job security: Renewable energy (sometimes called “clean energy”) installations continue to expand, with no plateau forecasted, with opportunities for careers in business or policy-related career paths.
- Competitive salaries: According to ZipRecruiter, solar energy technicians earn over $57,000 annually in the United States, and the BLS reports experienced project managers make $98,580 yearly.
- Regional opportunities: New Mexico and surrounding states’ abundant sun and wind resources make it ideal for renewable energy jobs, keeping projects close to home.
- Geographic flexibility: Renewable energy projects develop nationwide if you seek new sights and experiences in rural or urban areas.
- Impact on sustainability: Energy professionals play crucial roles in developing sustainable solutions for power generation, resource management, and environmental stewardship.
Learn more about types of careers in renewable energy beyond wind and solar.
Transfer Your Valuable Experience to Renewable Energy Careers
While first-time college students also enjoy a multitude of opportunities for long-term careers in sustainability, if you are a current professional in the workforce, a background in the traditional energy sector provides a strong foundation for renewable energy career pathways. Key transferable skills include:
- Technical expertise: Understanding electrical systems, mechanical components, and tools and applying energy production principles.
- Safety knowledge: Experience with workplace safety requirements and protocols.
- Problem-solving: Ability to diagnose issues and implement solutions.
- Team collaboration: Experience working in crews and coordinating with different departments.
- Equipment operation: Familiarity with industrial machinery and maintenance tasks.
Prepare to start or transition to renewable energy careers by searching for dedicated training opportunities like bachelor’s degrees and short-term certificates. Also, stay sharp with your knowledge about energy production and soft skills such as organization and critical thinking.
Top Renewable Energy Career Paths
The renewable energy industry offers diverse roles that provide pathways to advancement and career growth. Learn more about the types of jobs available in renewable energy.
- Solar energy: Install and maintain photovoltaic systems, troubleshoot electrical components, and ensure safety compliance.
- Wind energy: Maintain turbine components, perform mechanical repairs, and analyze system performance.
- Energy storage: Install battery systems, maintain power supplies, and monitor system efficiency.
- Grid modernization: Update infrastructure and maintain or operate smart grid systems.
- Project management: Coordinate installation teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure quality control.
Solar or wind turbine technicians or energy specialists in nuclear and geothermal power operations typically progress from ground crews to lead technicians, eventually advancing to an operations or project manager role. Training and degree programs can also impart the knowledge and skills related to energy production that launch careers in tech, government, policy, and more.
Best Degrees and Training for Energy Jobs
Today, various college degree and certificate programs train energy workers to pivot or advance their careers in as short as under one year to around two years. Furthermore, online program options have emerged that offer greater flexibility for renewable energy training without compromising your other work and personal responsibilities.
Types of Subjects to Study
Many subjects are valuable certifications or degree areas that can help you on the way to a renewable energy career. If you’re wondering what topic you should study if you want to pivot into the latest, fastest-growing renewable energy jobs, some subjects that give insight into energy production and management principles include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Geology
While these majors offer great scientific or technical backgrounds, choosing a specialized program with renewable energy-specific training can be the quickest way to gain hands-on experience and training in renewable energy areas. Degrees and certification programs are commonly available in:
- Electrical Technology and Instrumentation
- Energy Management
- Industrial Maintenance
- Industrial Process Operation
- Natural Gas Compression
- Occupational Safety
- Petroleum Production Operations
Types of Degrees or Certificates
Are you new to the industry, just viewing your career options, or pivoting from another energy role to a career path in sustainable power generation? Different levels of education can open doors to your ideal first role, and set you up for successful career advancement in the future.
Short-Term Certification Options
One option is choosing a training program in the form of a certificate or a smaller number of courses. Certificate programs in renewable energy typically take up to one year to complete and target career pathways such as industrial mechanics, industrial operators, petroleum technicians, construction technicians, and more. Some programs at this level lead to opportunities for regional or national certifications.
Degree Programs for Long-Term Career Growth
Associate's degree programs at a college or university can help energy workers prepare for career advancement opportunities and may take two to three years to complete. An associate’s degree can also be a stepping stone to completing a full bachelor’s degree. Types of associate’s degrees offered may include:
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
While a bachelor’s degree is not always required for entry into the renewable energy industry, it can help prepare for advanced roles in engineering and management areas. Even if you begin a career in renewable energy after pursuing a certificate or associate’s degree, continue learning as technology evolves with professional development programs in your area or through your union.
Continue to Expand Energy Expertise
Some jobs in the expansive energy industry can benefit from advanced education such as graduate school or professional school.
- Master’s Programs: Pursue advanced degrees in energy policy, business administration, or environmental science
- PhD Opportunities: Research emerging technologies or teach the next generation of energy professionals
- Law School: Specialize in energy law, environmental regulations, or patent law
- MBA Programs: Combine energy expertise with advanced business knowledge
San Juan College’s Renewable Energy Programs
San Juan College’s flexible energy certificate and degree programs are tailored to provide transferable, lifelong skills that lead to jobs including but not limited to energy generation, all while not just considering renewable power sources, but actively choosing regenerative and sustainable solutions.
Our flexible training does not pigeonhole graduates into one set of skills but allows them to grow and advance throughout their careers. Depending on whether you have prior work experience or education in addition to specialized training, a short—or long-term program has led graduates to become employed in supervisor, manager, and coordinator roles, not just technician, mechanic, or apprentice roles.
Explore School of Energy programs and all academic pathways at SJC.
Take Your First Step Toward Renewable Energy Career Training
The transition to renewable energy offers exciting opportunities for skilled energy workers and newcomers to the industry alike. Whether you’re from a background in traditional energy or another field, San Juan College is here to help you leverage your experience and build a rewarding career in renewable energy.
