Joe Clark story:
A Navy Conventional Electricians Mate, First Class Petty Officer (E-6) with over 20 years of experience in the areas of Navy power plant electrical distribution and casualty control operations. A qualified Load Dispatcher, Electrical Operator, Emergency Diesel Operator, Propulsion Electrician, Maintenance Worker & Supervisor, and Safety Trainer. During his years of active duty, he served aboard the USS Dale CG-19, USS Merrill DD-976, and USS Nimitz CVN-68. As he transitioned out the military, he found employment as a Water Services Technician and then he took on the duties as a Wastew
ater Treatment Plant Operator II with a Renewable Company where he was responsible for Operating and maintaining a 5.2 MGD water resource recovery facility and 3MGD reverse osmosis water facility. After working temporarily for Cabela’s as an outfitter, which is a 100% change from working in the water and wastewater utility industry for the last 11+ years, he made the decision to turn to the electrical utility industry to renew his career. During this challenging time he learned of the value of NERC certification so he did a Google search online (NERC Certification) and found the Power4Vets program.
His journey with Power4Vets started when he made that initial phone call and decided to enroll into the program back in May 2018. He studied hard and diligently and completed the Power System Operations Courses (PSOC) by July 2018. The knowledge he obtained from the training, along with his Navy and civilian power plant experience enabled him to start the job search process with our team and he was successful on landing a job with Consumers Energy as a Dispatcher I Operator in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is still in the final phase of his training (NERC Preparation) and he plans on obtaining his NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification before the end of 2020. Joe is the epitome of a perfect candidate who thrives on persistence, dedication, drive, and honesty and does not allow any obstacle to get in his way to fulfill his dream to become a System Operator.
Congratulations, to Joe for believing in the Power4Vets program and we are proud of his success!
“Words from Joe”
After making the decision to leave the water and wastewater utility field in 2018, I sought out training opportunities in NERC certification. I was fortunate to find and be accepted into the Power4Vets program. The training curriculum is unrivalled, and the support that I received and continue to receive from David Miranda has been incredibly important as I continue to study and grow in my current position as a Low Voltage Distribution (LVD) Dispatcher in my new hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you are looking for a great way to achieve your goal of NERC certification, look no further than the Power4Vets program!