ALBANY, N.Y. — Some military personnel stationed at Fort Drum in northern New York will soon get training for solar industry jobs as civilians.
According to the governor's office, the inaugural New York-based class starts next week through the federal Solar Ready Vets program.
Instructors from the state college in Canton will teach five-week classes. The program will help with job placement.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is covering costs for curriculum development and training for the first 125 veterans.
Later groups can use GI Bill benefits to cover training costs.
Nearly 3,600 service members transition to civilian life from Fort Drum annually.
Industry data show 359 solar companies in New York, employing more than 7,000 people. Employment grew more than 40 percent in 2014, adding nearly 2,100 jobs.
