At SEI, we are privileged to train a diverse group of solar learners annually, each with varying levels of knowledge. While some students seek solar education to break into the industry, we also work with professionals already in the field who are eager to enhance their expertise. One such learner is Thomas Nielson, a Utah resident with a background in physics, who has spent his time in solar as a PV designer.

Wanting to take his knowledge to new heights, Thomas decided to pursue NABCEP certification through SEI’s training program in 2022. He was awarded financial assistance through a scholarship to cover tuition fees for enrollment in SEI’s NABCEP PV Associates online training package, enabling him to grow exponentially in his command of solar.

“Receiving this scholarship has accelerated my progress towards a NABCEP credential and helped fill in knowledge gaps that I didn’t even know I had. This has been immensely valuable for me as a PV designer since I am better able to make decisions to accommodate the installation crews as well as the sales department to ensure customers receive the best system possible. I intend to continue taking SEI courses in pursuit of a NABCEP design professional credential and most likely the installation credential after that,” Nielson said in an interview.

But for Thomas, it doesn’t just stop there. His ultimate goal is to design commercial solar in the near future. “I hope to make the transition to commercial within the next 2 years, then after 3-4 years, I would likely pursue a position as a project engineer or work on utility-scale projects,” Thomas said. Witnessing the tenacity Thomas has leaves no doubt that he will achieve his goals in the days ahead.

When asked about his motivation for joining the solar industry, Thomas shared: “I was drawn to the solar industry because I wanted to build a career working on something meaningful. As an avid outdoorsman, the importance of slowing climate change and protecting the environment cannot be overstated.” Partnering with SEI for training and support, Thomas has taken a significant step towards achieving his goals while also contributing to the fight against climate change. SEI is dedicated to helping individuals in the solar industry enhance their expertise and capabilities, turning solar aspirations into a tangible reality.

Looking to upskill your knowledge and make your dreams a reality? Check out SEI’s training here.