Graham Cromwell, from Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, graduated with a degree in Kinesiology but felt he needed a change in his career trajectory. This led him to the Energy Advisor Training Program, administered by Clean Foundation, which he graduated from last spring. This program gave him the skills needed to enter the province’s rapidly growing clean energy sector.

As a new energy advisor trainee, Graham embarked on a six-month training program, marked by hands-on experiences, a living wage and the acquisition of essential certifications and equipment. Reflecting on this journey, Graham shares, “It was cool to learn something completely new and build a new skillset to move forward with.”

Graham is enthusiastic about starting his new career. “Once I complete my Energy Advisor exam, I’ll become a certified energy advisor. I’ve applied to a service organization, and soon, I’ll be working for them. My brother and I are also planning to start a solar installation company,” says Graham.

 Weymouth Falls, where Graham lives, is a predominantly Black and Indigenous community. He is excited about bringing what he’s learned back home to help bridge the gap in energy efficiency.

 “There’s a lot of old houses and older folks live there without access to someone who understands energy efficiency, so I’ll be a good local resource for that,” Graham shares.

 The Energy Advisor Training Program is making a difference for trainees like Graham, and it wouldn’t be possible without support from Natural Resources Canada, the Native Council of Nova Scotia and Manulife.