FARMINGTON, CT — A Farmington High School student earned a top honor this summer after completing a statewide training program that introduces high school students to careers in energy efficiency and green building.
FHS rising senior Rayyan Khalid of Farmington was named "Student of the Track for Weatherization & Existing Building Upgrades" through the Energize Connecticut Green STEP Summer Program, according to program organizers.
More than 50 Connecticut high school students participated in the three-week, paid-to-train program this summer.
The program is administered by Eversource and Avangrid Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas.
Students could choose between two training tracks: "Weatherization & Existing Building Upgrades" and "Green Building & New Construction."
The program provides hands-on technical instruction from certified industry experts while preparing students for jobs in energy efficiency and green building trades.
Khalid and other participants were recognized on July 28 during a career expo and graduation ceremony at Yale University.
Students received program completion certificates and met with area businesses about potential internships and career opportunities.
"We have been extremely proud to see Green STEP continue to grow and contribute to the clean energy economy in Connecticut," Avangrid Senior Manager of Conservation and Load Management Marissa Westbrook said. "The green energy industry is constantly evolving, and programs like this help to ensure that we will have skilled workers ready to support its future."
Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency Steve Bruno said the program is intended to help develop Connecticut's future clean-energy workforce.
"Connecticut's clean energy transition will depend on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenge, and these students are now equipped to confidently step into that space," Bruno said.
A total of 54 students tested for technical certifications used in the green building and energy efficiency industries.
Four students received Certificates of Excellence for their performance.
In addition to Khalid's Student of the Track honor, Nicholas Lopes of Waterbury received the Rising Star Award in the Weatherization & Existing Building Upgrades track. Tristan Takara of Seymour was named Student of the Track for Green Building & New Construction, while Blessing Nortey of Ansonia received that track's Rising Star Award.
Participants also took work-readiness courses covering topics including heat pumps and geothermal technology and received assistance with resumes and interview preparation.
Green STEP has provided industry training through the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System for more than a decade.
In 2023, the program expanded to high school students statewide through virtual after-school certificate training and its summer program.
More information about Green STEP and upcoming training opportunities is available through Energize Connecticut.
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