Detroit’s Community Treehouse Center (CTCD) has announced a new initiative to bolster the city’s role in the clean energy sector, offering an eight-week Solar Pathways Workforce Training Program aimed at preparing participants for careers in the solar industry. Scheduled to commence on March 13, the program represents CTCD’s first venture into providing comprehensive, industry-led courses in sustainable energy, highlighting Detroit’s commitment to clean energy and job creation.
The training will cover four specialized tracks: Solar Installation, Solar Community Engagement, Home Assessment, and Solar Sales, each limited to 25 participants to ensure an in-depth learning experience. This initiative underscores the importance of hands-on training in fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the growing solar sector. With an enrollment fee of just $50, the program is designed to be accessible to a broad range of participants, including those with disabilities and members of marginalized communities, reinforcing the CTCD’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability.

An open house and enrollment session is scheduled for the general public on March 13 at the Community Center at AB Ford, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about the program and its potential impact on their careers and the community.
Detroit has firmly established itself as a dynamic hub within the clean energy sector, undergoing a transformative journey that intertwines technological innovation with sustainable development. This resurgence is marked by an array of initiatives and investments aimed at nurturing a robust clean energy ecosystem, from solar power projects to educational programs focused on renewable energy. The launch of programs like the Solar Pathways Workforce Training Program by the Community Treehouse Center Detroit exemplifies the city’s proactive approach in equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the solar industry. Such efforts are not only creating new career opportunities for Detroiters but also positioning the city as a key player in the national movement towards renewable energy solutions. With its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth, Detroit is redefining its industrial legacy to become a beacon of innovation in the clean energy landscape.
The launch of this program comes at a time when the solar industry is experiencing rapid growth. The 2020 National Solar Jobs Census reported over 231,000 workers in the sector, with expectations for the workforce to exceed 900,000 by 2035. This growth is not only a testament to the industry’s vitality but also to its role as a key player in the nation’s economic development, offering competitive wages and diverse employment opportunities.
Graduates of the Solar Pathways Workforce Training Program will receive a certificate and access to job placement services, including apprenticeships with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 in Detroit, further contributing to the city’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for clean energy and sustainable development.
About Post Author
Ebony JJ Curry, Senior Reporter
Ebony JJ is a master journalist who has an extensive background in all areas of journalism with an emphasis on impactful stories highlighting the advancement of the Black community through politics, economic development, community, and social justice. She serves as senior reporter and can be reached via email: ecurry@michronicle.com
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