“It’s exciting to help train the IBT 200 cohorts this year. I have the chance to be the trainer that trained me,” shared Marco M. in the 8-month mark of the SolarCorps Construction Fellowship.
Through the SolarCorps Fellowship program, GRID IE provides a full-time, 11-month real-world experience to community members interested in pursuing a career in the climate action movement.
Since graduating from the very first cohort of IBT 200 in 2023, Marco has continued to sharpen his solar installation skills by working alongside the Construction Team and providing hands-on support to trainees on active job sites.
“It’s important to have clear and understanding communication,” said Marco, who had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of trainees and develop his leadership skills on the roof. During installations that involved tile roofs, which are prone to breaking under pressure, Marco found that clear communication and leading by example were essential in ensuring trainees practiced safe techniques to complete the job.
So far in his fellowship, Marco has seized every new opportunity—including delivering a wonderful congratulatory speech during an IBT 200 graduation. “I am trying to learn and experience as much as I can,” Marco said.
Look for the final interview with Marco as he reflects on his 11-month SolarCorps Fellowship in our upcoming newsletters.