Solar PV Installer Training

Filling the Workforce Void: Community College Construction Technology Programs Working for You The Solar Photovoltaic Industry is enjoying a 30% growth, and 70% of the market behind this growth is right here in California. Finding and maintaining a skilled workforce to sustain this growth is becoming a major concern for many Solar Installation Companies. The community college system has a long history of training students in skills necessary to meet the needs of the various trades and industries. Working with SolarTech, five South Bay Area community college districts have joined forces (SV Solar IDRC) to develop and deploy Installer Training to meet the needs of the Solar PV industry: Foothill-DeAnza Community College District San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Cabrillo Community College District Ohlone Community College District West Valley-Mission Community College District Combining these college resources with the support of SolarTech, this collaboration formed the Silicon Valley Solar Industry-Driven Regional Collaborative (SV Solar IDRC), and successfully secured grant funds from the Community College State Chancellor’s Office in 2007 to address the workforce needs of the Solar PV industry. Installer Training programs at San Jose City College and Cabrillo College were developed and successfully launched in the 2008 Spring Semester. The Ohlone College program is scheduled to launch in the Fall, 2008. Other colleges will track industry demand and deploy as needed to meet the industry need. The development and success of the installer programs in the South Bay are due in large part to leveraging the pioneering work of Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley — under the direction of Tom Chatagnier — has a well-established program, and developed a “Train the Trainer” program to help launch similar installer training programs at other colleges. The NOVA Workforce Investment Board is another critical partner in this collaboration. NOVA has job placement expertise and will assist in working with the industry to place successful students in internship positions within the Solar PV field. The SV Solar IDRC benefits from the guidance of SV Works and SolarTech. Both SV Works and SolarTech have roots in the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. SV Works, Silicon Valley Workforce Coalition, is a collaborative of colleges and leading industry partners looking at the long-term educational needs in maintaining a competitive workforce. To learn more visit svlg.net/campaigns/svworks. To learn more about SV Solar IDRC visit www.siliconvalleytraining.fhda.edu. SolarTech is an industry-driven effort to create a Solar Center of Excellence in Silicon Valley. SolarTech is focused on identifying, prioritizing, and resolving the complex technological, administrative, and financing challenges inherent in the delivery of PV systems. Visit SolarTech online at www.solartech.org to learn more.

Solar PV Installer Training Goals and Curriculum The installer training program curriculum and learning objectives are based on the text and program developed by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry. The text — “Photovoltaic Systems” by Jim Dunlop (published by ATP) — is the most comprehensive and detailed text available for photovoltaic system education. Employers can expect the students to have a minimum of 50 lecture hours, 20 laboratory hours, and an 8-week internship to prepare students for entry level positions.

Lecture Topics 1. Jobsite Safety

2. Solar Energy Fundamentals a. Site shading b. Sun path, irradiance, solar day c. Solar Pathfinder d. Load analysis

3. Math Skills

4. Electricity Basics a. Current, voltage, power, energy b. National Electrical Code basics c. Ohms Law d. Series/ Parallel circuits e. Multimeter use f. Drawings and schematics g. Conduit bending

5. PV Modules fundamentals a. Module components b. Types & construction techniques c. Nominal vs actual module output

6. System Components a. Inverters b. Disconnects c. Wire types and wire sizing d. Labeling and documentation e. Utility interactive systems e. Battery backed systems

7. Mechanical design a. Racking systems b. Tilt angles

8. Electrical Design a. Inverter/Array configurations

sizing b. Voltage drops and long runs

9. System check out and inspection

Hands-on Lab Sessions 1. Testing and measuring solar cell

characteristics 2. Modules in series and parallel

connections 3. Modules with batteries and loads 4. PV Module I-V measurements 5. Solar Pathfinder application 6. Conducting site surveys 7. Hand and power tool exercises 8. Build a roof mount system 9. Build a ground mount system 10. Basic roofing techniques and examples.

NABCEP Exam Community College programs are approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, NABCEP. Students will have an opportunity to take the NABCEP Entry Level Certification Test. This test certifies that students wishing to enter this field have achieved basic knowledge comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic system operations. The test covers ten key learning objectives defined by NABCEP for entry into the Solar PV field. See www.nabcep.org. Internship Students have the option of completing an eight-week internship program with a participating Installer to build a valuable work-experience resume.

Program Contacts Rick Kuhn, Director of Professional and Workforce Development, DeAnza College 408-864-8302, kuhnrick@fhda.edu David McFeely, Solar Programs Development Coordinator, SolarTech 408-972-0506, dmcfeely@pacbell.net

Solar PV Installation Training

2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

San Jose City College is offering training in solar systems installation that will lead to internships as solar photovoltaic installers. This program was developed in collaboration with industry to meet local workforce demand. Course: Solar 102 – Introduction to Photovoltaic (PV) Installation This course introduces the student to solar photovoltaic power systems and their installation. Upon successful completion the student will have basic knowledge for an entry level position in the field. The lab will provide hands-on experience with a variety of systems encountered in the industry. This course has been submitted to NABCEP as part of the entry level certification requirement. Schedule: T-Th 6:00-8:20 and Sat. 9-2 from March 11-May 17 Content:

1. Jobsite Safety Safety Hazards of PV systems, Safety Equipment 2. Solar Energy Fundamentals Site shading, Sun path, irradiance, solar day, Pathfinder 3. Math Skills Basic Trigonometry and Geometry Conversion of feet to inches, tape measure 4. Electricity Basics Current, voltage, power, energy definitions Basics of National Electrical Code (NEC) Ohms Law, Series/ Parallel Circuits Use of Multimeter, Bending conduit Utilization of drawings and schematics 5. PV Modules Fundamentals The components of a module Types of modules, construction techniques Nominal versus actual output of a module

6. System Components Inverters, Charge controllers Disconnects, Batteries Wires Labeling and documentation 7. Mechanical design Racking Systems Tilt angles Tracking Systems 8. Electrical Design Array configuration to meet inverter needs Voltage drop on long runs 9. Performing a system check out and inspection Compare theoretical with actual system performance Tools to measure performance Basic troubleshooting

Hands on training will include: Testing and measuring solar cell characteristics; connecting modules in series; parallel, and to batteries and loads; conducting a site survey; use of hand and power tools; building: a roof mount system, a ground mount system and pole mount. Potential students: Students should be comfortable on roofs and be physically able to lift and carry loads of 50-70 lbs. Students should have good reading and communication skills and basic math skills. To Register: This class will fill quickly. Register early. New Students: File an application in person or apply online at www.sjcc.edu . Then REGISTER by phone at 408-223-0300 (your birthdate is your PIN e.g. April 4, 1989 is 040489), or register online. For More Information: Dr. Kathy Werle, Dean of Applied Science & Technology Division (408) 288-3781

This program is supported by the Silicon Valley Solar Industry Driven Regional Collaborative, hosted by De Anza College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies and funded in part by Economic & Workforce Development of the Chancellor's

Office of the California Community Colleges.

Photovoltaic Solar Installer

Occupational Overview Installation work involves working with a team to mount rooftop photovoltaic arrays, including electrical wiring, and trenching for underground conduit. Work is outdoors so must be comfortable working in all types of weather conditions. Knowledge and Skills • Electrical wiring in residential or commercial applications – DC theory/AC • General construction and ladder work • Comfortable on roof and pitches ---no fear of heights • Knowledge of local code and national electric code (NEC) • Ability to read schematics and plans • Roofing experience – various roof types: stucco, wood, concrete, uni-strut, tile, etc • Experience with all types of hand-held and power tools, as well as small machinery

(trenchers and bobcats) • Able to perform mathematical calculations • Good people/communication skills and strong customer service • Attention to detail • Knowledge of Renewables marketplace and industry • Valid driver’s license and good driving record required • Ability to lift 50-75lbs • High School Diploma/GED; AA a plus • Proficiency on PC (Microsoft Word; Excel) a plus Types of Tools Used Impact drills,, 18-volt cordless drill, nail bags, basic electrician tools, multi-meter, chalk box, hammer, tape measure, torpedo level, channel locks, pair of dykes, caulk gun, drill index, mechanical tools, wrenches, utility knife, tool bag/belt, mask, safety glasses, gloves, flashlight or headlamp Expected Earnings: Solar Installers make approximately $15.00- $25.00 per hour (in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area). Electrical experience and NABCEP Certification strongly desired (see www.NABCEP.org). Prior to hire, employer may require Background Check for criminal record, Drug Screening, and DMV printout.

Photovoltaic Solar Installer Self-Assessment

Are you interested in working in a Green Industry? Do you want to be part of the Cleantech revolution that is taking place? Working in Solar Energy may be for you! Solar Installation is an entry-level occupation with opportunities for skill building and career growth in the field. Special knowledge of Photovoltaic Solar Installation is needed as well as, background in electrical. Experience in construction and roofing are a plus. Is being a Solar Installer right for you?

I am really interested in working in a green industry.

I am comfortable on a roof and pitches and do not have a fear of heights.

I am able to perform mathematical calculations including translating decimals into feet and inches.

I can lift 50-75lbs.

I have basic electrical background (experience in performing electrical work is

strongly desired).

I have background in general construction or in roofing.

My customer service skills are good. I am polite, courteous and patient – and use good English.

I understand the importance of applying safety principles in this workplace.

I have a high school diploma/GED (AA preferred).

I have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

If you can check 9 of the 10 items above, then you are an excellent candidate for the Solar PV Installation course at San Jose City College. For more information, call Dr Kathy Werle, Dean of Applied Science, (408) 288-3782. To apply and enroll: http://www.sjcc.edu/AdmissionsRecords/AR_Home.shtml

Silicon Valley Solar Industry-Driven Regional Collaborative: Solar Photovoltaic Installation

Project Co-Directors: Rick Kuhn & Catherine Ayers De Anza College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (a 4energy partner initiative)

Partners • CACT – De Anza College – Project Management • Silicon Valley Leadership Group – Advisory. Liaison to industry, SVWorks partner • SolarTech – Industry partner/driver, evaluation criteria, DACUM participants, Interns • NOVA WIB – Internships, workforce outreach • Workplace Learning Resource Center –Mission College – Assessment, intake, screening • San Jose City College –Applied Science & Tech. – Credit program development • Cabrillo College – Community Education & Economic Development – Credit program • Advanced Transportation Technology & Energy – West Valley College – DACUM • Sustainability Institute Ohlone College – Curriculum deployment

SV Solar IDRC (Silicon Valley Solar Industry-Driven Regional Collaborative) is a strategic regional response to meet the need for a skilled workforce in photovoltaic solar system design and installation. This industry-driven effort, responding to the message conveyed at the February 2007 New Energy Workforce SVWorks event, aims to institutionalize within the community colleges training that individual employers are currently having to provide – at cost to productivity and quality. Industry commitment includes paid internships and job interviews for successful completers. The companies involved are members of the SolarTech industry coalition, plus additional installation companies. The coordination and management for the project is from Foothill-De Anza Community College District. The planning has been by a steering committee including four community college districts, industry leaders, and economic development agencies. This project is in the process of developing curriculum in solar photovoltaic design and installation at the two community colleges in Silicon Valley that were best equipped to deploy rapidly due to existing programs, faculty, and facilities. The curriculum will be modularized (approx 80-120 hours), with a significant paid internship component (320 hours), and delivered in accelerated, flexible formats. It is inteneded to prepare students for an entry level certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). It will be expanded to a certificate program based on the higher-level, industry standard NABCEP certification and will provide preparation for certifcation exams. Other services will be provided by sister initiatives and colleges as listed above.

SV Solar IDRC CACT

Professional & Workforce Development De Anza College

21250 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, CA 95014

(408) 864-8710 ProfWD@fhda.edu

new_background.doc Created on 7/9/08 3:03 PM

Background on New Energy Workforce

NEW (New Energy Workforce) is a coalition of Bay Area community college personnel at all levels interested in addressing the need for a robust workforce that is able to adapt rapidly, through efficient training systems, to changing needs, particularly the needs of CleanTech, GreenTech, and the New Energy Economy. This “evolutionary partnership” runs on the principles of: • regular, inclusive, open communication; • relationship building leading to trust, transparency, and a willingness to collaborate; • promotion of a consensus model, to the extent feasible; • coordination by a key stakeholder (i.e. staffing of the effort); • focus on the goal of leveraging the scale of the community college system regionally; • a “marketplace” model that provides opportunities to explore how regional efforts could

benefit all through resources, recognition, and ; • being “industry driven” with validation through rigorous research to determine where the

needs are large and long-term enough to warrant coordinated workforce development efforts: and

• action based on validating needs by rigorous research. NEW grew out of a multi-year program of events known as SVWorks (Silicon Valley Workforce Development Coalition). The February 23, 2007, SVWorks event held at the Santa Clara Library titled New Energy Workforce Summit was the birthplace of NEW.

The results of the partnership include such projects as the Silicon Valley Solar Industry-Driven Regional Collaborative. Also, NEW’s principles are being used to inform similar collaborative efforts of community colleges in California, including the Bay Area Community College Consortium which funds NEW. NEW is coordinated by Cabrillo College through the office of Career Education and Economic Development.

Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Installer

Internship Opportunities at Your Company

Do you need access to qualified PV installer candidates?

Would you like to help shape tomorrow’s workforce?

SolarTech is looking for PV integrators with an ability to provide state-of-the art solar installation work experience and potential future employment for interns. This opportunity is being made available through the Silicon Valley Solar Industry Driven Regional Collaboration grant funded by the California Community College system.

Benefits to Your Company

Trained interns hit the ground running after completing an accelerated program at San Jose City College in PV design and installation based upon industry standards.

Students/interns are working toward an entry-level certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Employer-based selection allows you to interview potential candidates for internship positions.

Internships provide you the opportunity to hire experienced, high-performing workers following the internship period.

An intern coordinator at NOVA Workforce Board is available to support you with questions or concerns.

Compensation & Time Commitment

Internships are fully paid by the host employer with a salary range of $10–15 per hour. Time commitment is 8–10 weeks or a minimum of 320 hours beginning in late spring

2008.

How Do I Get Involved?

To host an intern or group of interns, please complete the commitment form on the reverse of this flyer. For more information about this opportunity, contact Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s Director of Energy Programs, Justin Bradley, at 408-501-7852 or by e-mail at jbradley@svlg.net.

SolarTech is an industry-driven effort to create a Solar Center of Excellence in Silicon Valley. This collaboration of employers, educators, trade groups, and workforce and economic development organizations focuses on identifying, prioritizing, and resolving the complex technological, administrative, and financing challenges inherent in the delivery of PV systems. Visit SolarTech online at www.solartech.org to learn more.

“I’m willing to pay to play. Are you?”

Tom McCalmont CEO of REgrid Power & Chair of SolarTech

About SolarTech

Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Installer

Company Internship Commitment Form

To host interns, complete this form and return to Justin Bradley at Silicon Valley Leadership Group

Fax: 408-501-7861 E-mail: jbradley@svlg.net

Your information:

Name: Title:

Work phone: E-mail:

Company name:

Address:

City: State: ZIP:

Company contact for internship coordination:

Name: Title:

Work phone: Cell phone:

E-mail:

How would you prefer to be contacted? Best time(s) to contact:

Number of interns to host: 1 2 3 4 5 Other:

Today’s Date:

You will be contacted within the next two weeks by the intern coordinator at NOVA Workforce Board regarding the status of this internship opportunity.

Thank you for your support of tomorrow’s workforce!

1

Photovoltaic Solar Installer

Employer/Supervisor Work Experience Handbook

Overview / Welcome

Congratulations!

NOVA is pleased to have your company participate in a work experience opportunity for

community college students trained in the solar photovoltaic (PV) installation industry. The

training focuses on supporting the Solar Industry by training students for entry-level positions in

the Solar PV installation field, and to prepare them for the entry level North American Board of

Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) test which will be administered by the community

college (www.nabcep.org).

This work experience opportunity in the Solar Industry as a Photovoltaic Installer has been made

possible through SV Solar Industry Driven Regional Collaboration (IDRC) Grant funded by the

California Community Colleges and endorsed by SolarTech, an industry-driven effort to create a

Solar Center of Excellence in Silicon Valley (www.solartech.org).

Students completing classroom/lab training at San Jose City College or at Cabrillo College, in

solar photovoltaic design and installation, are eligible to participate in a paid internship

opportunity. NOVA, the workforce board in the northern portion of Santa Clara County, is

coordinating the work experience opportunity for interns and employers (www.novaworks.org).

The internship opportunity will be for approximately 8 weeks in duration. This program will give

employers an opportunity to hire experienced, high-performing workers following the internship

period and contribute to the growth and development of a skilled workforce. The interns will use

the internship opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical work experience. The

intern, in partnership with the employer, will meet learning objectives that are designed to

challenge their work performance and academic understanding. Work experience will be paid

and the intern will be an employee of the company adhering to company policies and

2

requirements for the duration of the internship. Each employer will have an individual agreement

with the intern(s) at their company. Following the internship experience, the employer may

choose to interview interns for regular employment with the company.

In addition to being paid for the work experience, the intern can receive college credit for the

work experience through the college’s cooperative education (co-op)/work experience program.

The units earned may be used as elective units that apply towards Community College

certificates and degrees in addition to transfer.

Although the goal of the training program is to develop solar PV installers, the curriculum is

broad enough to prepare the prospective intern for other opportunities in a solar installation

company. Employers can consider using interns for other positions such as design assistant,

supporting the permit process or supporting the rebate submission process. Creation of these

types of internship opportunities is dependent on the employer’s particular needs and skill

requirements, as well as the additional skills and interests of the students.

Contacts

NOVA Internship Coordinator: Pat Richards

(408) 730-7847; prichards@novaworks.org

San Jose City College Work Experience Contact: Kathy Werle

408-288-3782; Kathy.Werle@sjcc.edu

Cabrillo College Work Experience Instructor: Joe Jordan

831-423-2824; jjordan@sky-power.org

3

For the Employer

Internship Referral and Interview Process

• The employer will have an Employer Participation Form and an Employer Internship

Questionnaire completed. These forms can be found on-line at

http://www.novaworks.org/businesses/solar.html

• The NOVA coordinator will refer students based on the number of internships at your

company.

• NOVA will provide, to the employer, a Student Internship Profile, completed by the student,

which will include educational and employment background.

• The employer can contact candidates directly to schedule or conduct phone and/or in-person

interviews.

• The employer is asked to provide feedback to the NOVA coordinator as to the hiring status

of each referred candidate.

• Selected candidates will need to be informed about next steps regarding the new hire

paperwork and where and when to report.

• The NOVA coordinator will inform candidates not selected and another student will be

referred to you, if possible.

Hiring Process

• Intern/student is to complete all necessary paperwork, which could include an employment

application and references (as desired by your company), completing W-2 and any other new

hire paperwork.

• The intern is to be payrolled as a W-2, which includes SSI and workman’s compensation

coverage.

• No other benefits are included.

• Your company’s regular hiring practices may also include conducting background checks

including criminal record, drug screens and/or requesting DMV printouts.

• Upon hire please be clear on the work assignment and the logistics for the first day.

• If you have any questions, please contact the NOVA coordinator immediately.

4

Role of the Supervisor

• Provide opportunities for intern to achieve his/her Learning Goals and Outcomes.

• Encourage good work habits by clearly stating expectations at the beginning of the

internship.

• Ensure that company’s policies and procedures, rules and regulations have been

communicated including completion of necessary paperwork through Human Resources.

• Complete and submit evaluation of intern (Co-op/Work Experience Form will be provided to

you from the Community College) and participate in one to two meetings with the

Community College Work Experience Coordinator.

• Alert the NOVA Coordinator if there are any problems with the intern that should be

addressed.

• Continue to communicate with and coach the intern regarding optimal performance

throughout internship.

• Complete overall evaluation regarding internship experience.

5

Learning Goals and Performance Outcomes

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

• Demonstrate safety principles at work site during Solar Photovoltaic installation process.

• Communicate clearly with supervisor, crew and client as appropriate. Ask questions to

clarify expectations.

• Demonstrate the proper use of tools, tools maintenance and equipment for optimal work

performance.

• Apply appropriate electrical principles to wiring installation.

• Mount PV units as appropriate to installation design.

• Complete installation, including jobsite clean up.

• Demonstrate professional behavior, and representing the employer with good customer

service skills.

Toward completion of the internship period, employers are strongly encouraged to explore

regular hire employment opportunities with student interns.

6

Role of the Internship Coordinators

Who is NOVA

NOVA is a nonprofit, federally funded employment and training agency that provides customer-

focused workforce development services. NOVA works closely with local businesses, educators

and job seekers to ensure that our programs provide opportunities that build the knowledge,

skills and attitudes necessary to address the workforce needs of Silicon Valley.

NOVA's Vision:

To be an effective partner in providing innovative, high quality, customer-focused workforce

development services to build a better community.

NOVA's mission:

To be a leader in delivering employment and training services that:

• Facilitate skill development and career mobility

• Align with and are of value to our business community

• Enhance people's ability to live and work in Silicon Valley

Role of the NOVA Coordinator:

Your NOVA coordinator will be the liaison between the work site and the intern.

Name of coordinator: Pat Richards Phone number: (408) 730-7847 E-mail: prichards@novaworks.org

We are interested in hearing about the success of this work experience opportunity, but we are also

available to help with any concerns or difficulties that may arise. Don’t hesitate to call; early

knowledge of a potential problem can result in actions to solve the problem, assuring success for all.

NOVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

1

Photovoltaic Solar Installer

Student Intern Work Experience Handbook

Overview / Welcome

Congratulations!

NOVA is pleased to have you participate in a work experience opportunity for solar photovoltaic

(PV) installation industry. The classroom/lab training has been focused on supporting the solar

industry by training students for entry-level positions in the solar PV installation field, and to

prepare them for the entry level North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

(NABCEP) test, which will be administered by the community college (www.nabcep.org).

This work experience opportunity in the solar industry as a photovoltaic installer has been made

possible through the Silicon Valley Solar Industry Driven Regional Collaboration (IDRC) Grant

funded by the California Community Colleges and endorsed by SolarTech, an industry-driven effort

to create a Solar Center of Excellence in Silicon Valley (www.solartech.org).

Students completing classroom/lab training in photovoltaic design and installation at San José City

College or Cabrillo College are eligible to participate in a paid internship opportunity. NOVA

(www.novaworks.org) is coordinating the work experience opportunity for both interns and

employers.

The internship opportunity will be for approximately eight weeks in duration. This program will

give employers an opportunity to hire experienced, high-performing workers following the

internship period and contribute to the growth and development of a skilled workforce. The interns

will use the internship opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical work experience. The

intern, in partnership with the employer, will meet learning objectives that are designed to challenge

their work performance and academic understanding. Work experience will be paid and the intern

will be an employee of the company adhering to company policies and requirements for the

2

duration of the internship. Each employer will have an individual agreement with the intern(s) at

their company. Following the internship experience, the employer may choose to interview interns

for regular employment with the company.

In addition to being paid for the work experience, the intern can receive college credit for the work

experience through the college’s cooperative education (co-op) / work experience program. The

units earned may be used as elective units that apply towards community college certificates and

degrees in addition to transfer.

Although the goal of the training program is to develop solar PV installers, the curriculum is broad

enough to prepare the prospective intern for other opportunities in a solar installation company.

Employers can consider using interns for other positions such as design assistant, supporting the

permit process or supporting the rebate submission process. Creation of these types of internship

opportunities is dependent on the employer’s particular needs and skill requirements, as well as the

additional skills and interests of the students.

Contacts

NOVA Internship Coordinator: Pat Richards

(408) 730-7847; prichards@novaworks.org

San Jose City College Work Experience Contact: Kathy Werle

408-288-3782; Kathy.Werle@sjcc.edu

Cabrillo College Work Experience Instructor: Joe Jordan

831-423-2824; jjordan@sky-power.org

3

For the Intern/Employee

Internship Referral and Interview Process

• Student must complete an on-line Student Internship Profile, which will include educational and

employment background. This form can be found at

http://www.novaworks.org/job_seekers/solar.html.

• Based on information provided, the NOVA Coordinator will refer students based on the number of

internships at company.

• Your Student Internship Profile will be submitted to the employer as part of the interviewing

process.

• The employer will contact candidates directly to schedule or conduct phone and/or in-person

interviews.

• The employer is asked to provide feedback to the NOVA Coordinator as to the hiring status of each

referred candidate.

• Selected candidates will be informed about next steps regarding the new hire paperwork and where

and when to report.

• The NOVA Coordinator will inform candidates not selected and every effort will be made to refer

you to another opportunity, if possible.

• There is no guarantee of an internship since the employer makes the hiring decision.

Hiring Process

• Intern/student is to complete all necessary paperwork, which could include an employment

application and references (as desired by the employer), completing W-2 and any other new hire

paperwork.

• The intern will be pay rolled as a W2 which includes SSI and workman’s compensation coverage.

• No other benefits are included.

• The employer’s regular hiring practices may also include conducting background checks

including criminal record, drug screens and/or requesting DMV printouts.

• Upon hire please be clear on the work assignment and the logistics for the first day.

• If you have any questions, please contact the NOVA Coordinator immediately.

4

Role of the Intern Upon Hire

• Work to achieve Learning Goals and Outcomes.

• Be prompt in job attendance, appropriately groomed, honest, courteous, and willing to learn

under supervision.

• Be available to work full-time for the duration of the agreement with the employer.

• Adhere to employer’s policies and procedures, rules and regulations.

• Participate in work experience meetings as required.

• Ask questions to clarify expectations.

• If released from employment, intern will notify the NOVA coordinator and if enrolled in Co-op

Education will also contact that office.

• Submit all required paperwork to work experience coordinators on time.

Learning Goals and Performance Outcomes

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

• Demonstrate safety principles at work site during Solar Photovoltaic installation process.

• Communicate clearly with supervisor, crew and client as appropriate. Ask clarifying questions.

• Demonstrate the proper use of tools, tools maintenance and equipment for optimal work

performance.

• Apply appropriate electrical principles to wiring installation.

• Mount PV units as appropriate to installation design.

• Complete installation, including jobsite clean up.

• Demonstrate professional behavior, and representing the employer with good customer service

skills.

Toward completion of the internship period, employers are strongly encouraged to explore regular

hire employment opportunities with student interns.

5

Role of the Internship Coordinators

Who is NOVA

NOVA is a nonprofit, federally funded employment and training agency that provides customer-

focused workforce development services. NOVA works closely with local businesses, educators

and job seekers to ensure that our programs provide opportunities that build the knowledge, skills

and attitudes necessary to address the workforce needs of Silicon Valley.

NOVA's Vision:

To be an effective partner in providing innovative, high quality, customer-focused workforce

development services to build a better community.

NOVA's Mission:

To be a leader in delivering employment and training services that:

• facilitate skill development and career mobility;

• align with and are of value to our business community;

• enhance people's ability to live and work in Silicon Valley.

Role of the NOVA Coordinator

Your NOVA coordinator will be the liaison between the work site and the intern.

Name of Coordinator: Pat Richards Phone number: (408) 730-7847 E-mail: prichards@novaworks.org

We are interested in hearing about the success of this work experience opportunity, but we are also

available to help with any concerns or difficulties that may arise. Don’t hesitate to call; early

knowledge of a potential problem can result in actions to solve the problem, assuring success for all.

NOVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.