The Solar Power World editorial team is proud to present three Top Solar Champions awards, open to all those employed by Top Solar Contractor companies, highlighting talent in the industry in different skill areas.
The 2024 Top Solar Changemaker award-winner is Lee Spruill, director of learning and development at North Carolina-based Blue Ridge Power.
“Lee has also built in ways for pre-apprentices and apprentices to advance within our company, recognizing that career mobility is critical for employee satisfaction and retention.”– Casey Hulme, Director of Marketing, Blue Ridge Power
Spruill has been instrumental in designing and implementing Blue Ridge’s workforce development program to meet IRA requirements. Blue Ridge’s PowerUp Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs have paved the way for well-paying careers in solar that attract a wide net of workers and help to diversify the solar workforce.
Spruill’s dedication to education comes from his background as a school principal. This experience helps Spruill understand the challenges current students face when choosing a career path and tailor the Blue Ridge program to those interested in the trades. He has formed partnerships with the Cumberland County School District and local community colleges to offer high school and college students opportunities to enter the solar workforce with on-the-job training paired with academic credit.
