“Hello Kathy. I am just dropping you a line to let you know that I started working earlier this year for a project in Portland you hooked me up with. I wasn’t too thrilled because it was temporary (till the end of the year 2011) but after working there I made contact with Shermco down in Dallas TX. I just signed an offer from them for a small supervisor job and couldn’t be more happier with the opportunity. I would like to say thanks to you and everyone at the school for helping me and my family start a second chance, I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Good luck and thanks again.”
-Eric Bishop, Graduate, hired by Shermco
“The Northwest Renewable Energy Institute (NWREI) and its Director are providing a top-notch, truly professional wind technician education program that Suzlon has and will continue to benefit from. In a fairly short amount of time, the students look,
think, act and have the skill sets of a quality wind tech.”
- Willem van der Ven, Regional Service Manager, Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation
“I’m a recent graduate from NW-REI. Shortly after graduation I was hired by GE for Installation & Receiving. During my time at GE’s training facility I truly realized and greatly appreciate how much I had really learned at NW-REI to prepare me and provide me the opportunity to be ahead of the curve.”
– Johnathan Palodichuk, Graduate, hired by GE
“I’m doing well, just finished filling out paperwork for Siemens. Happy to say I will be starting with Siemens real soon. I am eager to get started in the Wind Energy Field and start using the skills I learned while attending NW-REI. I know without the education from NW-REI I would not have this opportunity. I want to thank you and the staff at NW-REI for everything.”
– Charlie Gravelle, Graduate, hired by Siemens
“I learned a lot of valuable skills at NW-REI, but most importantly, I gained the self-confidence to believe in myself.”
- Matt H., Graduate
“This school has afforded me the chance to pursue a positive career change that fits in with my lifestyle and plans for the future. This field is growing and I can see it continuing to grow. I love the accelerated program, its challenging, fast paced and very hands on. The instructors are amazing and really work hard at helping you every step of the way.”
- Stephanie Staggs, Graduate
“The training at NW-REI was right on the mark! NW-REI prepared me for success in both technical and mental aptitude for my employer’s training program. In addition, the NW-REI Career Development Department worked to help me get hired ASAP. I highly recommend and commend NW-REI for their abilities and values which have already helped me stand above my new peers. Thank you NW-REI!”
- Eugene Festman, Graduate, hired by Miles Fiberglass & Composites
“I am very proud that I made the right move to attend Northwest Renewable Energy Institute. The information throughout the 6 months has proven very valuable in this career. If I had a chance to do it over again I would make the same choice in a heartbeat! Thank you all for your help and support.”
- Nicholas Irwin, Graduate
“I want to formally announce that I just got hired by Broadwind Energy as a Blade Technician!!! If you would be so kind to forward to all my instructors. I want to thank you and all the instructor staff for the unending support and the belief in me. If given an opportunity I would like to address current classes when I return from my training in Illinois. I must say the interview to hiring process went Fast! A total of 3 days and that’s including the weekend… Thank You, Thank You, and Thank You. I’m proud that I made the decision to change my career and decided to go to NW REI…..”
- Anthony Smith, Graduate
Collin Macleod, former student, graduated from the Northwest Renewable Energy Institute on June 15, 2011. Currently an employee of Windingen as a Traveling Technician, Collin visited NWREI last night to share his story of success with current students. The first thing that Collin told students about was how much he gets paid. The schedule of a traveling technician is five weeks on the job and seven days at home and for this time at work he makes $28.00 per hour, averaging about 15 hours of overtime each week. Collin is paid for a 40 hour work week during the seven days he’s at home. Regarding his schedule and pay, Collin says he’s “lovin’ it!” He went on to explain that his company pays for his hotel, travel, and gives him $300.00 per week, per diem. Collin spent time stressing that everything he learned at NWREI is necessary to know in the field. All of the information taught and tools used during his time at NWREI have been applied daily at Collin’s job. He told a story about teaching other technicians, many with more than five years experience, how to use a new LASER Alignment Tool that his company had purchased. Collin had this knowledge from a class he took, Mechanical, while at NWREI. Collin’s visit inspired many students and reaffirmed their trust in the renewable energy program. Long after Collin left, students were still talking about his experience. One student said, “twenty-eight dollars an hour, I can live with that.” Collin helped current students realize that all of their hard work and sacrifice will surely create opportunities for them in this industry.
