When the College of Menominee Nation needed a solar installation, it also wanted it to be an opportunity for the community to learn about green jobs. The school knew just who to call: an IBEW signatory contractor.

The college was working with Indigenized Energy, a nonprofit that helps Native American tribes move toward energy independence. The project was a chance to increase the college's use of solar power while teaching community members about the job opportunities provided by the renewable source. That's where contractor Eland Electric and Green Bay, Wis., Local 158 came in.

"Whenever we can help the community out, we do," said Eland project manager Jesse Michalski. "Climate change is a big issue for the Menominee, and this was our way to play a role, by doing the install and showing them the career opportunities that are available."

Eland has done other projects at the college, including another solar installation at the library, and Local 158 has run electrical trades classes for the tribe before, but this was going to be different. With funds provided by a grant from Grid Alternatives, a nonprofit that promotes solar energy, the college and Indigenized Energy developed a weeklong workshop. The classroom and hands-on elements covered the myriad benefits of solar energy, from cost savings to its ability to get the tribe off fossil fuels and closer to energy independence.

"The reservation system created a lot of government dependency. The opportunity to use renewables, which are more sustainable and provide more independence, is something that tribes like and want," said David Riley, director of strategy for Indigenized Energy.

The educational component also included an emphasis on the growing job prospects in solar and how a union job in particular can lead to a family-sustaining career.

"The intention was to show them the opportunities available and get them excited about being a part of it, to get them to say, 'I can do this,'" Riley said. "Eland and the IBEW played a terrific part in it. There aren't many contractors that would take the time to open up a jobsite like that just to teach the community. They were teachers just as much as they were electricians."

While Eland handled the installation, Local 158 President Scott Evenstad spoke to workshop attendees, who included a number of young tribal members. He told them about the construction wireman program, the steps to apply for an apprenticeship and the top-notch education they'd receive, along with what wages and benefits look like for a journeyman electrician.

"Anytime you can reach a group of youth and provide them with information that could benefit their future, it's a win," said Evenstad, who has also spoken to Menominee high school students and other community members.

Evenstad reflects on his own experience when doing outreach. Like a lot of high school students in recent decades, he was led to believe that a four-year college degree was the only path to a well-paying and fulfilling career. But he couldn't afford to go to college, so he applied for the apprenticeship after working for Eland for three summers in high school.

"It truly has been one of the best decisions of my life," he said. "I believe that I can relate to many of the youth I speak to at high schools throughout the jurisdiction, and that may be even more true for those coming from a more rural area."

The solar installation itself wasn't that big, only 40 kilowatts, but that allowed for a better learning experience, said Local 158 Business Manager Jesse Jacques, since the students were able to touch on every aspect over the course of the week.

"It was the perfect size for the group," Jacques said. "If it was a big project, they would only have time for one post and digging a trench. This way, everybody got their hands dirty. It was like a micro-apprenticeship."

By all accounts, the project was a success, with more than 40 members participating. Climate advocacy organization Climate Power even came out to film it. And Riley said Indigenized Energy is looking to replicate the project with other tribes across the country.

"It's a great way to get the community oriented around what's possible, and it will create opportunities for more electrical jobs, which will add interest in apprenticeships like the IBEW's," Riley said. "These communities don't always get a lot of opportunities like this presented to them."

In fact, a couple of the workshop attendees said they were going to look into Local 158's apprenticeship.

"The journey of getting tribal members into IBEW apprenticeships can be an ambitious goal, but you have to start somewhere," Riley said. "If we get even one every time, that's a win."

Riley said that he looks forward to working with the IBEW more as Indigenized Energy continues to work with tribes across the country.

"I appreciate what the IBEW does and how active the union is in clean energy and offering good jobs," he said. "I definitely wouldn't call this a one-off."

Michalski said it was great to see how well the project went and that it was a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

"We don't look at these projects the way a nonunion contractor would. We truly value these opportunities," he said. "It's the community around us that keeps us working locally, so we'll do anything we can to help. And the Menominee Nation gets that. They know there's a good, quality resource right here for them."