Building Innovative
Solar Career Pathways in Virginia
The Solar Hands-On Instructional Network of Excellence (SHINE) is a Public-Private Partnership Founded by Southside Virginia Community College, MDV-SEIA, Leading Solar Developers, Construction Companies, Energy Consulting & Recruiting Firms, and Tech Companies.
SHINE'S Mission
Develop a Qualified,
Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Solar Workforce
Equip Virginians with
the Tools and Knowledge
to Enter the Solar Sector
with a Competitive Edge
Help Solar Developers
and Construction Companies Source Qualified and Trained Talent
Bridge the Gap
between Solar Jobs Supply and Solar Jobs Demand
How to Benefit from SHINE
PROSPECTIVE
STUDENTS
If you are looking for a job that serves a meaningful purpose, the solar industry can be a great fit. Working in solar helps transition our country to cleaner fuel sources, while providing economic benefits to communities and residents along the way. The solar sector has also been growing rapidly and provides workers with ample opportunities to move upwards, take on leadership positions, and build sustainable careers.
To set yourself apart from other candidates, consider signing up for the SHINE Solar Ready 101 Program, a 2-week immersive, hands-on introduction to the solar installation field.
SOLAR DEVELOPERS & CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
With shifting project construction timetables and competition for talent, it can often be difficult to source qualified employees. Partnering with SHINE can help your solar development or construction company find the talent needed to execute projects successfully and safely. SHINE’s Solar Ready 101 Program was designed with consultation from leading solar industry stakeholders and is set up to help employees add value to solar project installations from Day 1.
Learn how to partner with SHINE and access top talent for your solar projects.
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS
SHINE is currently running its Solar Ready 101 Program at Southside Virginia Community College, one of the founding institutions of SHINE. Upon completion of our pilot program, we will partner with other academic institutions across the state to make the SHINE Program more accessible and available. The SHINE Solar Ready 101 curriculum is designed for other academic institutions to be able to easily launch affiliate programs. SHINE is also working on building two mobile learning labs to provide academic partners with the infrastructure needed to give students a hands-on learning experience.
Prepare your students for jobs in the solar sector by becoming a SHINE Academic Affiliate and offering our vetted SHINE curriculum.
Founding Board & Staff
Rich Allevi
Board Member &
VP of Utility Construction, Sun Tribe Solar
Michael Carrington
Board Member &
Human Resources Training Manager, Strata Solar
Matt Connolly
SHINE Program Analyst
Mary Jane Elkins
Board Observer &
Executive Director, Southside Community College Foundation
Stephen Goodin
Board Member &
Founder, Commonwealth Energy Ventures
Keith Harkins
Board Member &
VP of Workforce Development, Southside Virginia, Community College
Jon Hillis
Board Member &
President, SolUnesco
David Murray
Board Observer &
Executive Director,
MDV-SEIA
David Peterson
SHINE Executive Director
Rachel Smucker
Board Member &
Virginia Policy and Development Manager, MDV-SEIA
Ed Stelter
Board Member &
Vice President of Procurement, Faulconer Construction