Mark Welch Jr.\u2019s volunteer experience with GRID Alternatives began in October of 2015. \u201cWanting to change my life around, the decision to attend the volunteer orientation was the start to a new beginning. A few years ago, I was in a dark place in my life and hung around with the wrong crowd. It was tough\u201d stated Mark. Despite the hardships Mark faced, he decided to make the best of what is and worked towards bettering his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI truly enjoyed volunteering with GRID Alternatives. I appreciate that everyone was so helpful. Cynthia Mancillas was very patient and help me learn what I know now\u201d Mark graciously stated. Determined to gain employment in the industry, Mark had begun his job search while volunteering with GRID. He soon was called for an interview with a local solar company. \u201cBecause of my learning experience with GRID, I aced the test portion of the interview\u201d Mark stated. Shortly after his interview, Mark was offered the position as a Solar Installer. Flash forward to now\u2014Mark is a Construction Foreman with the same company. \u201cI feel blessed and grateful. I never thought I would work in the solar industry. However, my volunteer experience with GRID opened the door of opportunity\u201d Mark stated. Mark\u2019s promotion has blessed many facets of his life in which he continues to strive to better himself. He is currently going to school to become an electrician foreman and aspires to become a project manager. Mark\u2019s zest and charisma for life perpetuates him to continue to set new goals to accomplish. \u201cSolar is definitely my passion!\u201d Mark excitedly explained. We are proud to have been a part of Mark\u2019s learning experience and wish him all the best as he continues to achieve his dreams!<\/p>\n
As the interview concluded, Mark shared a piece of advice for all those working towards their dreams, \u201cDon\u2019t wish for it, work for it\u2026take action and move forward.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mark Welch Jr.\u2019s volunteer experience with GRID Alternatives began in October of 2015. \u201cWanting to change my life around, the decision to attend the volunteer orientation was the start to a new beginning. A few years ago, I was in a dark place in my life and hung around with the wrong crowd. It was tough\u201d stated Mark. <\/p>","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":3325,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79],"tags":[],"audience":[],"content-type":[12],"focus-area":[20,73],"region":[],"series":[],"content-author":[],"class_list":["post-3324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-workforce-education","content-type-news","focus-area-job-training","focus-area-workforce-development"],"acf":{"hero_media_type":"image","hero_media_image":null,"hero_media_url":"","hero_media_poster":null,"hero_video_play":"inline","related_stories":null,"pattern_override":null,"story_callouts":null,"media":null,"featured_blog_post":null,"featured_event":null,"pdf_download":null,"blockquote":null,"author":null,"notice":null,"social_embed":null,"contact_card":null,"meta_details":null,"faq":null,"table":null},"yoast_head":"\n