Christopher Kelley story:
An Army Specialist (E-4) with over four years of military experience as a Geospatial Engineer. Geospatial Engineers are responsible for using geographic data that supports military and civilian operations for Disaster Relief and Homeland Security. They collect, analyze and distribute geospatial information to represent the terrain and its possible effects.
Christopher decided to transition out of the military in February 2017 not knowing what to expect on his next career
move, and was seeking a career in the utility industry with little to no experience with power systems. He truly felt that he could offer a lot to the industry with this strong technical background and his Associates degree in Computer Technology, while he was completing his Bachelor’s in Environmental Science.
His journey with the Power4Vets program started via a google search, and his application was received and accepted into the program in March 2017. He graduated from the Power System Operation courses in May 2017 and passed his NERC Reliability Certification exam in July 2017. We then worked aggressively with him to help him find employment and he landed a job with National Grid in Northborough, MA as a System Operator in December 2017.
Congratulations, to Christopher Kelley for believing in the program and taking the training seriously, and we are truly proud of your achievements and landing a successful job as a System Operator in the industry. Christopher’s story shows everyone that if you have the determination to learn a new career trait with the right attitude, demeanor, and perseverance – you could achieve anything to be successful. We are proud of your achievements and believing in the Power4Vets program and process!
“Words from Christopher”
I really don’t know how to begin expressing how much this program changed my life. When I first stumbled upon the Power4Vets program, it almost seemed to good to be true and I almost dismissed it immediately. But I took the time to speak with David as well as reaching out to a few other veterans who had gone through the program and they all had great things to say about it. I decided to take the chance and go through with it and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made with my career. I came in with only a basic understanding of simple electrical theory, and was able to learn everything I needed to pass the NERC exam with ease. And even though I had no prior experience in the electrical world, the NERC RC Certification was enough to open the door to my new career as a System Operator. I love my new career, and it seriously would not have been possible without the Power4Vets program.