The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has been
awarded Training Provider Accreditation for six renewable energy programs from the Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC). MREA is an accredited training provider for the following
renewable energy programs: PV Associate, PV Installation, PV Technical Sales, PV Design
Specialist, PV Installer Specialist, PV Commissioning & Maintenance.
An IREC credential is a nationally recognized mark of quality training in the clean energy
industry. Students, employers, funders, and other stakeholders look for the IREC mark to find
high-quality training that meets safety requirements and is aligned with industry needs.
“Accreditation is vital to educational organizations like the MREA because it recognizes
compliance with national standards in training and operations, and therefore allows our courses
to be approved for professional credentialing programs, exam eligibility, and continuing
education credits. To the outside world, it’s a stamp of approval regarding our competence and
legitimacy,” said Jenny Heinzen, Curriculum Director for the MREA. “Equally important but less
pronounced, the accreditation process assures that MREA instructors and staff work diligently to
plan, execute, review, and continuously improve the training we provide. We’re focused on
student success, and we strive to share knowledge, to open doors to meaningful careers, and to
stay current with ever-evolving industry trends. Accreditation recognizes these efforts,”
Continued Heinzen. “Earning this five-year IREC award and expanding our Training Provider
approval to all six solar programs makes it possible for us to offer course packages that align
with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) credentials and
certifications. And this, in turn, helps students to find MREA courses and programs that fit best
with their professional goals.”
“IREC developed its accreditation program to recognize high-quality training opportunities and
close the skills gap between education providers and industry needs,” said Cynthia Finley, IREC
Vice President for Workforce Strategy and Innovation. “We congratulate the Midwest
Renewable Energy Association for meeting the high standards required to achieve IREC
accreditation.”
As one of the leading accrediting bodies for clean energy training in the United States, IREC’s
high standards and rigorous application process require applicants to demonstrate a robust
approach to quality in all major areas of training program operations.
As the clean energy economy grows rapidly, employers urgently need to locate and hire well-
qualified workers. IREC credentials help job seekers locate high-quality training opportunities
that prepare them to enter the clean energy workforce, and help employers identify quality
training options for their staff.
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