I would like to start by introducing myself, my name is Majok Ater I’m East African from South Sudan to be specific and I am 29 years old. I grew up here in Denver Colorado I came when I was 8 years old so about 20 and a half years ago. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs from customer service, healthcare to even assembly jobs. I also played basketball in college and even coached.
When I first applied for the GRID alternatives program I wasn’t sure how it would turn out for me. I wondered how I would do, I had a few uncertainties like would it be difficult since I’ve never been in that type of industry before. As soon as we started the program the instructor and staff were very helpful, they made us feel comfortable and helped us really obtain and have confidence in the knowledge that we need to get into the workforce. I would recommend the GRID alternatives program to anybody no matter the background or gender because they treated everybody with respect and kindness. I am very happy and glad that I joined and I’m very confident that I can take the skills that I’ve learned anywhere in the world and help make a difference. Solar Is an amazing field because it’s gonna be a continuously growing industry and we get to do our part of keeping the planet green and efficient for future generations goal is to start a company and teach solar installation to people back home in East Africa then expand all over the continent and Grid most definitely help me with that.
I want to thank Neil, Brittany, April, and the whole GRID staff for their incredible help and devotion, they’re truly awesome individuals. I also want to thank my classmates because we all helped others out through the learning process and respected each other why doing it.
Last but not least I want to thank the donors of the program because without them none of this would be possible I’m glad they’re giving opportunities to communities and people like me. I’m glad I was chosen for the program and happy to be part of the GRID Alternatives family!
GRID Alternatives Colorado’s newest job training program is the Solar Training Academy, implemented in partnership with Denver Housing Authority and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. The Solar Training Academy is a hands-on training program that will provide a pipeline to employment in the construction fields for underserved and unemployed Denver residents.