ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to report that the Greater Lawrence Technical School’s Workforce Development Department celebrated the graduation of 14 adults from the school’s Solar Installer Technical Training course for adult learners.
The GLTS Workforce Development Department created the 20-week program in partnership with Groundwork Lawrence. The program is funded with a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The class helps adult learners who are looking for a pathway to a new career earn all of the basic skills and certifications required for an entry-level job in a growing field.
Fourteen adult learners were provided with comprehensive, hands-on instruction in solar installations, electrical work and safety compliance. Students were equipped with the skills needed for an entry-level job in the growing solar energy industry.
Graduates earned industry-recognized certifications while learning from a team of three expert instructors. As part of the program, graduates participated in job interviews with leading local solar companies, positioning them for immediate employment in the renewable energy field.
One graduate has already landed a job as a result of completing the class, and several other graduates are on second interviews with leading solar companies.
Superintendent John Lavoie spoke to graduates during a ceremony held Tuesday afternoon in the Four Winds Restaurant at GLTS. He congratulated graduates on being brave enough to continue their education and to move toward a new career path in a growing industry.
“Green and sustainable energy is the future of the construction industry in so many ways, and you’ve taken your first step on the path to a career in that industry,” Lavoie said. “Please don’t ever quit learning, and let yourself grow to find a better life for you and your family.”
The course was scheduled to make it feasible for working adults, with classes being held Monday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an additional four hours of online coursework per week.
GLTS Workforce Development Director Susan Almono, Groundwork Lawrence Workforce Manager Laura Cabrera and GLTS Program Manager Ena Pena also spoke at the graduation ceremony, congratulating graduates on all they’ve achieved, and encouraging them to continue learning.
“Today is a testament to all the time, effort, persistence and work that each of you put in,” said Cabrera. “You are stepping into such a good place and taking the future into your own hands.”
“We hope you all will move on to make a great wage for your family, but you should know that you will also make a great difference in our world by helping to combat climate change,” said Almono.
Graduate Franquel Garcia, of Lawrence, was working as a private driver before taking the class, but after graduation was hired by Tesla to work as a solar panel maintenance technician. He is already working at his new job.
“I was just a rookie when I got here. I started from the beginning,” Garcia said. “But I learned how to work with conduit, learned basic electrical, and solar panel maintenance. It was everything I needed to know to land a job.”
To learn more about Workforce Development at Greater Lawrence Technical School, or to see what other training courses will be available soon, visit glts.net and click on Adult Education.
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