Publish Date: September 20th, 2022
Meet Felicia Hamilton! She started her time at Namaste Solar as a Solar PV Apprentice, but she is soon to be Residential EPC Project Coordinator. Felicia was able to get the training and mentorship at Namaste Solar to allow her to continue to grow her career just in her first year here. We’re excited to be able to offer a variety of growth and training opportunities, it allows us to retain great talent like Felicia.
How long have you been with Namaste Solar and why were you first interested in working here?
I’ve been with the company for a year as of August 16, 2022. I found Namaste Solar because I was trying to make a career change from an office-based role to the trades. I was looking to do electrical, and Namaste Solar, as a solar company, aligned with my interest in sustainable energy. The fact that it’s employee-owned also caught my eye.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Namaste Solar has a great team, and I’m motivated by the desire to contribute to it. Our crews do great work together, and we also have fun together. That keeps me going!
What is something about your job that most people don’t know about?
The temperature and weather affect us a lot. If it’s hot on the ground, it’s hotter on the roof.
What’s been one of your proudest moments working here?
One benefit of a job that pushes you to the limits of your endurance is that you feel really good when you have accomplished more than you realized you were capable of. It's always satisfying to see a completed system at the end of a job, but I am proudest of the small moments where I can be helpful to my coworkers and when I overcome my own limitations.
How has Namaste Solar helped you develop your skills and career? What kinds of training opportunities have you had here?
The opportunity to complete a year of IEC (electrical apprenticeship) completely for free is invaluable. Namaste Solar also connects people with industry trainings. On a crew level, there are a lot of knowledgeable people who are very patient and willing to share their skills. Namaste Solar does genuinely care about taking care of its people.
"The opportunity to complete a year of IEC (electrical apprenticeship) completely for free is invaluable."
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I volunteer with local political campaigns, and at home I love to sew my own clothes, bake, and make big healthy meals. My partner and I share a community garden, so we spend a lot of time on that between the spring and fall. I also like taking my cat on walks when the weather is nice.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
My partner and I are long-term committed to being a one-car household – we dream of one day not having to have one at all. It can create some day-to-day inconveniences, but we have really embraced biking and public transportation as our primary means of getting around.
If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be stretchy like Mr. Fantastic so I would not have to go back down the ladder when I forget something on the roof.
One of our core values is “come as you are” and part of that is working to build a culture where people feel able to be their full selves at work. How have you experienced “come as you are” at Namaste Solar?
There’s no pressure to put on airs in the field. You see each other at your best and your worst, so it’s important to be honest about your work style, needs, and goals in order to be a truly cohesive team. I’ve been able to be genuine and speak my mind at Namaste Solar.
"I’ve been able to be genuine and speak my mind at Namaste Solar."
What parts of our mission do you most connect with?
I believe that a workplace and its employees have a responsibility to each other, and that companies have a responsibility to care for their communities. Namaste Solar takes their responsibility in both of these areas very seriously, which I appreciate. Because the company cares about the community, I’m also empowered to make real and positive change.
"Because [Namaste Solar] cares about the community, I’m also empowered to make real and positive change."
P.S. We’re Hiring!
We are currently hiring solar installers and electricians for both our residential and commercial install teams. If you’re interested in a career with training and growth opportunities, excellent benefits, and a great company culture check out our current job openings! Or learn more about what makes Namaste Solar such a unique place to work.
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