Michael had been searching for work for nine months. His luck changed in summer 2011 when Continuum Energy Solutions hired him to work as a Clean Energy Solution Consultant. One of the first projects Michael worked on was the Silver Spring community efficiency project. 

Groundswell signed a Community Workforce Agreement with the business to require them to hire local workers facing multiple barriers to employment. The contract also required that these workers receive family supporting wages, certification-based training and professional support to help build career mobility. 

A D.C. resident until the age of twelve, Michael later moved to Forestville, Maryland where he received his GED. In September 2010, Michael participated in a training program, which promised job placement. When it came time to find a job, though, he found he was largely on his own. The challenge was enormous. 

In this economy, it’s pretty hard for anyone to find a job, let alone a full-time one. It was rough.

After applying for range of positions - from work in the construction and residential energy efficiency sectors to positions at Wawa’s and Six Flags - Michael received a job offer from Continuum. What did he feel after getting the offer?

Relief. It took pressure off having to find a full-time job. Having a steady income and just getting in the field and doing what I went to school for was a relief.

After a month and a half, Michael was promoted from Weatherization Technician/Energy Assessor to Clean Energy Solution Consultant. His responsibility has increased; he now manages staff. 

Now I run my own crew for Remediation. I go on-site to make sure they have the right paperwork, material and talk to the customers to make sure they’re scheduling the appointments when it’s convenient for them. I also do energy audit reviews or performance on their houses and test in/test out.

Since joining Continuum, Michael has honed new skills and acquired knowledge. 

I learned how to be patient and how to use different equipment. I’m still in the learning phase of being an energy auditor. Every house is not the same and each time you go to a different house, you learn something new. Working with Continuum has taught me how to adapt to any situation that comes along.