Empowering Texas' solar workforce: Tiffany McMillan’s leadership in renewable energy construction

As the construction industry evolves, workforce development remains a crucial priority, especially in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. For Black & Veatch and its Overland Contracting Inc. (OCI) subsidiary, investing in skilled labor isn’t just about meeting industry demands.

It’s about building careers and transforming lives.

Leading this effort is Tiffany McMillan, a Black & Veatch construction staff and craft training manager whose passion for apprenticeship programs is shaping the next generation of solar industry professionals.

How apprenticeships drive workforce growth

McMillan understands firsthand the power of apprenticeships. Having started her career as an apprentice, she recognizes that structured training programs provide a clear roadmap to career advancement.

“One of the great things about apprenticeships is they create opportunities for people who may have never considered construction a career,” McMillan said. “I was given a roadmap — if I did A, B and C, I could become a journeyman electrician. That experience was lifechanging.”

Black & Veatch and OCI’s commitment to workforce development is exemplified through their apprenticeship programs, which have enrolled 119 apprentices within OCI and 170 at sister company Bird Electric. These programs focus on providing structured training while acknowledging prior experience, helping ensure that participants with relevant backgrounds can progress quicker through a hybrid model.

Strengthening Texas’ solar workforce through skills development

As the overseer of Black & Veatch’s largest apprenticeship program on a major solar project in Texas, McMillan understands that the sector faces a skilled labor shortage, particularly in electrical trades. By offering apprenticeship training on solar projects, she said, Black & Veatch not only is addressing these workforce gaps but also helping clients leverage federal funding opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act.

The benefits of these apprenticeship programs extend beyond Black & Veatch. Utilities and project owners gain access to a steady pipeline of trained professionals who can execute high-quality solar installations. Apprenticeships also enhance local economies by providing long-term career opportunities for community members, many of whom remain in the area after completing their training.

To McMillan, “it’s an investment in the industry, the community and the future of energy.”

The hybrid approach: a game-changer in solar construction training

One of the standout features of Black & Veatch’s apprenticeship program is its hybrid model, which blends time- and competency-based learning. This allows individuals with prior construction experience — whether in residential framing or steel erection — to receive credit for their skills, accelerating their progression.

“We don’t make everyone start at zero,” McMillan said. “This flexibility attracts a more diverse workforce and allows us to fast-track experienced individuals into meaningful roles.”

All programs adhere to U.S. Department of Labor standards and use National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) training materials, ensuring skills are transferable across the industry.

“We’re not just training workers for Black & Veatch. We’re strengthening the industry as a whole,” McMillan said.

Breaking barriers for women in Texas construction, renewable energy

McMillan’s leadership is an inspiring example of how women are making an impact in the field. Traditionally, many industry competitors focus their recruitment efforts on office roles, but Black & Veatch takes a different approach.

“We emphasize that a fulfilling career can be built entirely in the field. Construction is not just a steppingstone to an office job — it can be a lifelong profession,” McMillan said.

Through her mentorship and training initiatives, McMillan is helping more women see the potential of a career in construction.

“I tell every apprentice, especially the women who might be hesitant, that this job is about grit, dedication and passion,” McMillan said. “If you put in the work, you can become anything — a foreman, a superintendent, a construction manager.”

Investing in Texas’ solar future

McMillan’s dedication to apprenticeships is deeply personal.

“This program is life-changing, and I get emotional talking about it because I believe in it 100%,” she said. “Every apprentice we train has the potential to become a leader. Watching them grow, succeed and transform their lives is the most rewarding part of my job.”

As Black & Veatch continues to lead the way in workforce development for the solar industry, McMillan’s work highlights the company’s commitment to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople. By fostering talent, supporting diversity and ensuring a sustainable workforce, Black & Veatch is not just powering solar projects. It’s powering careers.

McMillan has a parting message for those considering a future in construction, “Don’t be afraid to start. You don’t need to know everything on day one. What matters is your willingness to learn and grow. The opportunities in this field are endless.”

Explore craft and construction careers at Black & Veatch.

Three steps to building a skilled solar workforce through apprenticeships

In the competitive construction industry, establishing robust apprenticeship programs is essential for developing a skilled labor force. Companies should ensure compliance with federal and regional requirements, determine appropriate pay scales aligned with prevailing wage laws, and implement effective recruitment and retention strategies. These steps address workforce shortages and position businesses for sustainable growth in the evolving market.

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