U.S. military veterans and active service members are joining GRID Alternatives to improve access to clean energy for low-income families, all while gaining skills to begin an exciting career in solar. Through an initiative in partnership with Wells Fargo, GRID Colorado recently hired on Navy veteran, Deryck Marques, for a Troops to Solar Internship.
Here is what he had to say about his experience:
“A month after moving to Colorado, I was contacted by GRID for the chance of a lifetime – to join their team as a Troops to Solar intern. It has been an unforgettable experience from day one, not to mention a fantastic learning opportunity GRID has offered to me, my career, and in turn my family. Throughout my internship program, GRID has provided me with exceptional residential installation training along with commercial project development experience. I’ve been able to work alongside great leaders who believe in the mission of making clean energy accessible for all. They take every opportunity to teach me which has kept me learning and pushing me forward in my career path.
My first day on the job was the start of a GRID Colorado first! The team and I were headed 3 hours outside of Denver to the town of Walden for the state’s first ever floating solar project. While working on site, I gained invaluable knowledge on solar, tools, and light machinery training as well as team leading experience with two groups of great volunteers. I really enjoyed being part of proving reliable alternative energy technology to such a deserving town.
My military background involves 4 years and 1 deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush as a firefighter in the engineering department stationed in Norfolk, VA. After service, my time included college in California and Alabama where I earned my degree in Advanced Manufacturing in Solar Technologies.
Thanks to GRID and Wells Fargo for giving me a great chance to learn and demonstrate how I can contribute to the team’s successes. After an amazing 3 month internship, I’m thrilled to have been offered full-time employment as a Commercial Construction Assistant. I’m excited to grow with the GRID team and contribute to a big 2019!”