Yukon grads grow their solar energy chops in Carcross
It's the first college program of its kind being offered in Yukon, attracting students from around the territory — no matter the mode of transportation.
"Every morning I had to hitchhike," said AJ Johns of Tagish.
For the past six weeks, Johns joined whomever he could on the 33.5-kilometre drive from Tagish to Carcross, where his course on renewable energy was taught.
He didn't miss one class.
Johns is one of 10 graduates from Yukon College's new Renewable Energy Installer Program. It's the first time the course has been offered in Yukon.
The students not only learned how to install solar panels, solar water heaters and wind turbines, but they actually installed some of the equipment on buildings in Carcross, including the daycare.
"I appreciate what everyone is doing because as Carcross/Tagish First Nation we've been at talks with Yukon Energy for a long, long time," said Charlie James, a member of the community who spoke at the graduation ceremony on Friday. "We at Carcross/Tagish talk about renewable energy and this is where you guys come in."
Some students say they're looking forward to being able to install solar-powered energy equipment on their own.
"Graduating this first certificate is great," said graduate Bradley Good. "And the Yukon government just offered scholarships to get your second year diploma and once I get enough hours helping installers put their equipment in… I would be qualified to be independent and install it myself."
