Miles Russell has always been interested in renewable energy. Three years ago, he decided to make it a career.
Miles, a native of Littleton, Colorado, enrolled in Red Rocks Community College’s Solar PV Specialty Degree. As graduation neared, he attended the COSEIA (Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association) Conference to meet with solar employers. He found GRID Alternatives’ booth, where Virgil Looney, GRID’s SolarCorps Program Manager, was talking about how he could serve his community while gaining solar experience.
“I was drawn to apply for the SolarCorps Construction Fellow position because GRID makes solar possible for those who would normally not be able to experience the benefits,” says Miles. What drives him is being in a career that enables him to make a positive impact in his community. With the experience Miles gains through his year of service, he says, “I hope to sharpen my skills as an installer and someday build 100% self-sustaining homes for underserved individuals and families.”
Despite getting nervous from public speaking, Miles spends his days teaching volunteer groups how to install solar. “GRID encourages me to stop focusing on my fears and just do what is necessary to get an important task done. Every day I go to work, I am given a new opportunity to grow as a professional.”
What’s next for Miles? “Solar photovoltaic is my first love,” he says. “Although being on the Habitat For Humanity project [in Boulder] really hit home. There is so much more I could do within the affordable housing world!” After his SolarCorps term, he’s thinking about going back to school for Construction Project Management after his SolarCorps term. But first, Miles is hoping to bike across the country while volunteering to build affordable housing with Bike and Build.
On March 15th, GRID Alternatives Colorado will be partnering on our first-ever Colorado Solar Career Expo. This career fair will be co-located with the COSEIA Conference. Job seekers like Miles will meet with top solar employers in Colorado. Register now!
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