Enjoy our latest June "Career Connector" newsletter, highlighting qualified candidates for employers in the solar industry. This month we're featuring graduates from our Spring 2019 Solar Works DC cohort. These individuals have completed GRID’s 12-week Installation Basics Training (IBT) program.
In addition to participating in customer outreach and construction workshops, they have also received CPR and OSHA 10 certifications and have taken the NABCEP PV Associate Credential exam. If you're interested in connecting with talent like the individuals featured below, please email GRID directly! To see the larger blog piece introducing additional trainees visit our website here.
LARRY MCPHERSON
How did you learn about GRID?
I learned about GRID through another program I was a part of because I always wanted to have a career doing hands on. I wanted to be an engineer. My instructor told me about solar and I jumped into it.
How do you feel your training with GRID is preparing you for your career in solar?
I joined not knowing anything. I gained a lot of skills. I learned to work on a pitched roof. I learned a lot - basics of an install, certain tools that we use, safety procedures.
What are your strengths as a worker?
One of my biggest strengths is working with my peers. Teamwork and putting my all together to solving an issue on an install.
What are your plans for the future and have they changed since GRID's training program?
I see myself being a PV installer. I was told you can branch off from that and do other things but my main thing is to be a PV installer.
ELIHU KENNEDY
How did you learn about GRID?
I was first introduced to GRID through signing up for the D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program.
How do you feel your training with GRID is preparing you for your career in solar?
It’s giving me the skills I need in the residential field, which will help me prepare to go into the commercial side.
What are your strengths as a worker?
I’m attentive to detail and always looking for something to do after a new task is done. I’m always busy.
What is your proudest moment as a trainee?
Doing the wiring for an inverter and the disconnect without needing any help.
DARIUS STEWART
How do you feel your training with GRID is preparing you for your career in solar?
They taught us a lot about solar, more than just installation. I’m pretty confident I could find a job in solar now.
What are your strengths as a worker?
I’m very organized and detail-oriented. I can see different ways to fix problems.
What are your plans for the future and have they changed since GRID's training program?
I plan on becoming a service technician if I can, but I might want to take more time to be an installer first.
Do you think it's important to transition to clean energy? If so, why?
If we went all renewable energy, we’d be saving the planet for generations to come.
GEORGE WILLIAMS
How did you learn about GRID?
I came to the D.C. Infrastructure Academy building and signed up to learn more information.
How do you feel the training will prepare you in your solar career?
This program has helped me learn the logistics and systems about how to install PV systems. I’ve also learned team-building skills that I believe will translate into a job in the solar industry.
What are your strengths?
I am solutions- and detail-oriented. I’m also self-motivated.
Why is it important to transition to clean energy?
I believe it's important to transition to clean energy because renewable resources are innovative and revolutionary. Our world is getting hotter by the minute and using fossil fuels is harmful.