Clean Energy Workforce Training Success Story: Lauren Lewis

In 2023, Lauren Lewis participated in the workforce program to further her knowledge and professional career. Now, she works as an energy coordinator in the solar energy sector.

What started out as a journey toward expanding her professional knowledge has turned into something fruitful for Lauren Lewis, who heard of the Building Equity in Solar Training (B.E.S.T.) program through a friend.

Workforce and small business development opportunities in energy efficiency and solar energy jobs are rapidly increasing on a local, state, and national level. Elevate works to ensure that everyone can take advantage of those opportunities through workforce and contractor accelerator programs like B.E.S.T and others. Lauren completed the (B.E.S.T.) accelerator program in 2023.

Entering any new sector—or gaining knowledge within one’s own industry—can be daunting. (B.E.S.T.) is an equity-driven, national workforce training program developed by Reactivate and administered by Elevate that standardizes skills and provides the certifications that are required for a career in the solar energy sector.

In recent years, the solar energy sector has attracted a wide range of people, from those who are simply curious to those who see it as the future of energy. In addition to learning the specialized skills needed to thrive in the solar energy sector, (B.E.S.T.) participants are also exposed to a wide range of activities and experiences to strengthen their overall knowledge and ensure a bright future.

“My favorite part was visiting the different solar and windmill farms and getting to know the process of how energy is registered,” Lewis said. “The hands-on experience and the book material made it easy to understand what solar energy is and learn the importance of solar energy.”

While Lauren undoubtedly felt like the program accelerated her knowledge of the clean energy sector, she surmised that a large part of her success is attributed to her own determination. Following the completion of the (B.E.S.T.) program, Lauren began work as an Energy Coordinator with Sesenergi. She works with Senyo Ador, a participant with the contractor accelerator program and an administrator for a solar training cohort.

“The experience in the program was very informative and eye-opening. It gave me insight on other opportunities I never knew existed.”

Want to Learn More?

Visit ElevateNP.org/Contractor-Workforce-Development to learn more about our workforce and small business development opportunities.