Five students from the University of New Mexico-Gallup’s solar technician program recently installed solar panels on a home in Zuni, New Mexico. The installation was part of the hands-on training component following completion of a 12-week course and certification exams.
Travis Kaskalla, one of the newly certified technicians, participated in installing panels for residents Kathi Trujillo and Candelario “Kenny” Calavaza. The couple was selected due to their lack of electricity and high need for power. Kaskalla said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for the community and for the individuals that are looking for some financial stability and to also give back to the community at the same time.”
The solar technician course is a non-credit, non-degree program offered through Community Education & Workforce Development at UNM-Gallup. It began in June after being introduced in May. Tuition costs were covered by a grant from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, allowing students like Kaskalla to participate without financial barriers. “I didn’t have any money for tuition or books,” he said. “All I had to do was show up and put in my time and study.”
Kaskalla expressed interest in becoming an instructor for future cohorts: “I’m using this program to get back on my feet,” he said. “I want to be a productive member in my household.” He plans to shadow his current instructor as part of his career development.
For homeowners Trujillo and Calavaza, having solar panels installed addressed critical needs such as refrigeration for medication storage. Trujillo explained, “I’m not sure that it’s still effective because they give him like six months [supply of insulin] in advance and we have no way of keeping it cool… So there’s a lot of stress and worry off my mind that way.” The addition will also help them preserve food longer and support their creative work—Calavaza is a silversmith, while Trujillo does knit work. Trujillo added, “And I think that will be good, not just economically, but good for his spirit too.”
Another student installer was Terence Stewart from Window Rock, Arizona. Stewart joined after his mother recommended it as an opportunity following high school graduation: “get a head start in the world.” He noted that passing the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners test (NABCEP) was challenging but rewarding.
The curriculum covers basics such as solar components, compliance standards, safety hazards, small business operations, financial literacy, and customer service skills. At its conclusion, students install solar units within local communities; initial installations took place in Zuni and Fort Defiance.
Instruction is provided by Purpose Focused Alternative Learning—a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Native American communities with access to independent solar energy solutions.
Ashlee Velasquez directs Community Education & Workforce Development at UNM-Gallup. She stated: “We will have a local workforce to help support and sustain incoming projects from employers… I’m glad that our campus is going to start venturing into offering renewable certifications for our community.” Velasquez aims to expand vocational offerings with courses including heavy equipment operation, HVAC systems maintenance, plumbing trades training programs as well as pharmacy technician education among others.
The second cohort began September 2nd; additional sessions are scheduled throughout 2026 with tuition assistance available. More information about upcoming courses can be found at www.gallup.unm.edu/ce/.
