Solar Training: Growing interest in solar power generation means companies are scrambling for skilled workers to build and operate their sites

Growing interest in solar power generation means companies are scrambling for skilled workers to build and operate their sites.

Brockville plans to take advantage of the high demand by offering a new course at St. Lawrence College.

Community leaders believe that creating a skilled workforce in Leeds-Grenville could in turn serve as a strong selling point for solar technology companies looking to expand or locate in the region.

"Through the future fund grant, the Ontario Trillium Foundation is providing 503 thousand 300 dollars over three years."

Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark announced funding to create a new program called Sunnyville, at the Brockville campus of St. Lawrence College.

It will train workers to install solar panels and maintain large and small solar generating sites.

Noah Rossman from Canadian Solar says the demand for these skilled workers is so high that they'll be hired 5 minutes after getting their diplomas.

And he says St. Lawrence College in Brockville will train them properly.

Noah Rossman:

"We're very confident in the curriculum that they have to be able to graduate individuals with the correct skill sets that we need to be put directly into the work force."

Former Brockville area politician Joe Jordan now operates Upper Canada Solar Limited and says Eastern Ontario will be one of the hottest markets for solar power in Canada in the next 20 years.