February of 2011, twelve eager students arrived from all corners of the world to attend the Gainesville Job Corps Center’s first Advanced Training Solar Program. About 6 months later, all twelve students successfully graduated and have secured jobs!

Student James Alonso returned home to the Bronx and is working as a plumber, Student William Suarez landed a job as a Solar Installer with Blue Chip Energy in Orlando, FL. Student Wyatt Evans is working with contractor REC Solar for the VA Hospital in Miami,FL. Student Robert Griffith is working in Gainesville with ECS as a Solar Installation Technician and Gabrielle Barber is with Lowe’s in Gainesville.

The Graduates are ecstatic about their accomplishments.

“It was exciting being part of the first class and I’m glad to be a small part of the renewable energy future for the United States”, said graduate Wyatt Evans.

Center Director Sam Kolapo gave the students GJCC clocks to commemorate their successes.

“We are fortunate to be able to train these students in Florida, one of the places Solar Energy is already big and I’m happy they have the great opportunity to be a part of the new green economy,” he said.

July 26, 2011, Instructor Erick Green and the Career Technical Training department honored the graduates with a luncheon marking the occasion. GJCC staff and students all remarked that they would never forget the first advanced solar graduation.