MREA earns accreditation for six new programs
By Patrick Lynn
Custer — The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has been awarded Training Provider Accreditation for six renewable energy programs by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).
The accreditation covers the following programs: PV Associate, PV Installation, PV Technical Sales, PV Design Specialist, PV Installer Specialist, and PV Commissioning & Maintenance.
An IREC credential is a nationally recognized mark of quality training in the clean energy industry, sought after by students, employers, and other stakeholders for its assurance of safety and industry alignment.
“Accreditation is vital to educational organizations like the MREA because it recognizes compliance with national standards in training and operations,” said Jenny Heinzen, a curriculum director at MREA. “It allows our courses to be approved for professional credentialing programs, exam eligibility, and continuing education credits. It’s a stamp of approval regarding our competence and legitimacy.”
Heinzen emphasized that the accreditation process ensures MREA instructors and staff continuously improve the training they provide, focusing on student success and staying current with industry trends.
“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,” she added.
Cynthia Finley, IREC Vice President for Workforce Strategy and Innovation, praised the MREA for meeting the high standards required for IREC accreditation. “We congratulate the Midwest Renewable Energy Association for achieving IREC accreditation,” Finley said. “IREC developed its accreditation program to recognize high-quality training opportunities and close the skills gap between education providers and industry needs.”
As the clean energy economy grows, employers urgently need well-qualified workers. IREC credentials help job seekers locate high-quality training opportunities and assist employers in identifying quality training options for their staff.
About the MREA:
The MREA promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. The MREA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit midwestrenew.org/training.
About IREC:
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) builds the foundation for the rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency. Its vision is a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable. IREC develops and advances regulatory reforms, technical standards, and workforce solutions needed to enable the streamlined integration of clean, distributed energy resources. For more information, visit irecusa.org.