In 2021, GRID launched a 5-week hands-on solar installation training program for women in Nicaragua called Installation Basics Training (IBT). Sixteen women graduated from the program in 2021 and seven have already been hired in the local solar industry. The training program is unique for its focus on women in technical roles and for the breadth and depth of materials covered from electricity basics, job readiness, safety, tools, and solar installation techniques. We asked recent graduates a few questions about solar energy and their experiences as GRID job trainees. Below are the answers from 3 of our trainees from this past year. En español aquí.
Trainees learned how to use power tools. Above, Katherine uses an impact drill.
Katherine Esperanza García Montoya
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
Knowing that there is a more feasible and efficient way to save energy but above all the fact that it contributes to the environment since it is clean energy
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training?
The photovoltaic water pumping installation, I got to know this world that is so wide in solar energy and it was also that I also got to know the capabilities and skills of my colleagues who eventually became a family.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
We are all capable: Project, shine, inspire
What excites you about the future?
Now that I have the basic knowledge, I know that I will be able to open up my field to this world of solar energy.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase?
“From passion, seek excellence.”
Safety is a top priority at GRID. Yasin secures a ladder before getting on the roof.
Yasin Yazmin Baltodano Rivero
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
What aroused my interest was firstly because I had already followed up on some news from other countries about how solar energy contributed to a better quality of life, and then knowing that not only could I learn a little more, but also through GRID training could learn to install photovoltaic systems, that way with that knowledge I could contribute to the care of our planet and also highlight the work of women in society
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training?
The weeks of installations, because it was not just having a notion of what we learned verbatim but that they had all the equipment and tools to make it a reality. When it was time to test [the system] it was very emotional, feeling the satisfaction of knowing that I could do it and also imagining the joy on the faces of the people who are benefited by the GRID projects.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
That it is important to create equitable opportunities where our contribution also counts and that we are capable of transforming our world for the better. If I was able to learn starting from scratch, then you can too. What motivated me and helped me is that I believed that I could do it and it gave me great satisfaction when I met my goal. Taking care of our planet is not only a job for men, but of every human being.
What excites you about the future?
I would like to see a future where we can all have the same desire to take care of the only planet where we can be, free from evil. That there is always peace and harmony in each home and above all health.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase ?
Film: Life is beautiful
At the end of the training program, participants received certificates of completion. America holds her graduation certificate with Kelsey Schrock, Project Manager
América Padilla
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
There were two factors. The first my passion for electricity and the second my curiosity to know how this type of renewable energy helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions? And in what way was solar energy used to produce clean energy?
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training? ·
The passion that GRID Alternatives staff have for sharing their knowledge and teaching us the value of not only doing quality installations, but also showing their love and passion for the end result and the lives that it positively affects.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
It is a job that leaves satisfaction; not only monetary but also moral satisfaction. It is a job that helps to create a future for ourselves starting today and leaves a better future for our children and family. Of course, I would encourage them to take the course to acquire knowledge and help make a positive change for the planet. I would invite them to break stereotypes because it is a job for everyone yet due to a taboo or social pressure we think it is a job for only one gender.
What excites you about the future?
Putting into motion the knowledge I acquired in GRID Alternatives and with that knowing that I can contribute a grain of sand for a better world and make the role of women more normal and common in the field of clean energy.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump.
Valentina Silva
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
Knowing that it is a clean energy alternative and also an area with a lot of potential in Nicaragua due to the climatic conditions of the country. Nevertheless it is an incipient technology, despite having an exponential growth in certain sectors. On the other hand, it is a profitable alternative to energize rural areas where there is no access to the electricity grid.
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training?
The weeks of installation, since I was able to consolidate the knowledge obtained theoretically in addition to developing new skills and working as a team with my colleagues who gave me the opportunity to reinforce the areas where I had weaknesses.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
Many times it is classified as a job for men, but it really is not, and I admire all those people who have been breaking those social paradigms. They have shown us that as women we are capable and we can do efficient work in solar energy and that we are always going beyond. We are now empowered women who can develop clean energy projects that benefit our communities, schools and environments with the vision of improving our quality of life.
What excites you about the future?
The acceptance that clean energy is having as more and more people are becoming aware of the environment and opting for the use of photovoltaic energy and especially the role that Nicaraguan women are playing within this industry.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase?
The nights- Avicci "One day you'll leave this world behind So live a life you will remember"
Katherine Valeria Reyes Olivera
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
I find it very interesting how we can take advantage of solar radiation to generate energy, in addition to how we can make the change as women in the solar industry and the environmental change that we can leave by becoming more informed about the use of solar energy and thus promoting the use of renewable energy. The change is in our hands!
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training?
My favorite part of the training was acquiring new knowledge in the area of solar water pumping, I found the operation of the pumps super interesting and how we can play with voltages and amperages to make the system work. In addition to interacting with my colleagues and instructors and learning something new from each one of them.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
First of all, I think it is important to mention that we live in a society that is “machista” where women are told it is bad to work in these careers, but I would tell her to go ahead, that she can do it. We are capable of changing the world and if men can do it we can too. It is time to stop underestimating ourselves and unveil our potential. Working in solar energy is very fulfilling, it opens our minds and many doors to continue to grow in the renewable energy industry.
What excites you about the future?
I am very excited to believe that I can contribute a grain of sand to make the change and to have a good future. I know that I have to make an effort and continue studying in this area, because I really like it and my goal is to launch my career in solar energy.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase ?
My favorite book is called "love letter to the dead" it talks about a girl who unfortunately lost her sister and one of her tasks at school is to write a letter to someone who is no longer there and write something she always wanted to say to her. So she started writing to some of her sister's favorite artists, who had already died. I identify with her, because like her I don’t express myself in public, but I am very good at expressing what I feel when I write a letter or a nice message.
Arasí Torres
What was the first thing that sparked your interest in solar energy?
The simple fact that it is clean energy that presents the alternative for the consumption and depletion of fossil fuels. It seems to me that it is very important that more and more awareness is raised regarding renewable energies and solar energy seems to me to be an efficient solution.
What was your favorite part of the GRID Alternatives training? ·
I loved the whole experience. Learning to use tools was something new for me, now I feel confident to handle them very safely. I can honestly say that I fell in love with using tools.
What would you like to tell other women about working in solar energy?
I am sure that they are going to love the experience, that they do not know what they are missing and that they will not regret taking the initiative. It is an experience that is very motivating.
What excites you about the future?
I am excited to be an agent of change to help the well-being of living beings and it all starts with initiatives like this one. It makes me happy to know that I am making decisions that can lead me to this career path.
What is your favorite song, book, movie or phrase?
There is a song called Eyes Wide Open by Gotye that has a phrase that says "We walk the plank with our eyes wide open" which in Spanish means "Caminamos la tabla con los ojos bien abiertos." This helps us understand that even knowing that we are going to fall off the cliff we continue walking towards it, referring to all the environmental pollution and little awareness regarding the need to generate changes in mentality.