Meet Reginald Hodges
Reginaldl Hodges is a pioneer in the modern U.S. utility-scale solar industry, a military veteran, and the CEO of the Training Center of Central Texas—one of the nation’s first trade schools focused on utility-scale solar workforce development.
Early Leadership in Utility-Scale Solar
Hodges began his career as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer (Seabee), where he developed leadership, engineering, and project management skills in high-responsibility environments.
Following his military service, he transitioned into construction management, where he played a key role in the early development of the U.S. utility-scale solar industry. At a time when no major utility-scale solar power plants had been built in the United States in decades, he was part of the teams that helped bring the industry back to life.
He went on to serve as a construction manager on multiple large-scale solar projects, including three of the largest solar power plants in the world, working with leading companies such as First Solar.
Engineering Background
Hodges holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and completed advanced graduate-level studies in power systems engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). His academic and professional background has been deeply rooted in large-scale energy infrastructure and electrical systems.
Building the Solar Workforce
Recognizing a growing gap between industry demand and workforce readiness, Hodges founded the Training Center of Central Texas in Harker Heights, Texas.
Under his leadership, the Training Center has become one of the leading institutions in utility-scale solar training, developing one of the most comprehensive programs in the country:
The 15-Week Solar Maintenance Technician Program
Developed in partnership with major energy companies, including Leeward Renewable Energy and Sungrow, the program is designed to prepare technicians for real-world utility-scale operations—not entry-level installation work.
The Solar Talent Network
To further bridge the gap between training and employment, Hodges launched the Solar Talent Network—a national hiring pipeline connecting trained solar technicians with companies building and operating energy infrastructure across the United States.
Through this network:
-
Employers gain direct access to trained, job-ready technicians
-
Students receive interview opportunities with hiring companies
-
The industry benefits from a scalable workforce solution
National Impact and Advocacy
Hodges is a recognized voice in workforce development and clean energy.
He has:
-
Spoken at industry events and panels with the American Clean Power Association
-
Collaborated with the Clean Power Institute on the development of national solar workforce certification standards
-
Testified before the United States Congress in support of the Veterans Entrepreneurial Training Act, signed into law in 2023
He remains a strong advocate for veterans transitioning into high-demand careers in the energy sector.
Recognition
The Training Center of Central Texas has been recognized as one of the top training institutions in the region, earning #1 ranking in Central Texas for six consecutive years through the Killeen Daily Herald’s Best of the Best awards.
Mission
Hodges’ mission is clear:
To build the workforce that powers America’s energy future—while creating life-changing career opportunities for the next generation of technicians.
Connect with the Training Center of Central Texas
Learn more about the Solar Maintenance Technician Program and join the Solar Talent Network to start or advance your career in utility-scale solar.