From Newcomer to Entrepreneur
For Shqiprim Balazoski, earning his NABCEP PV Associate Credential was a turning point: a harmonization of his potential, a community of professionals, and a future business.
September 8, 2026
Stepping into a new convention as an emerging energy professional can be both exciting and overwhelming. For Shqiprim, attending the event as a startup founder meant navigating an unfamiliar industry largely on his own. After walking a single loop around the convention floor, he stopped at a booth and introduced himself. But being identified simply as a “startup” left him feeling unprepared and isolated—just him, his LLC, and an idea he was still working to turn into a career.
Then he met Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s (MREA) Training Director, Greta Ladenthin.
That conversation became the catalyst for a new perspective on what was possible. Instead of seeing himself as an outsider trying to find his place in the solar industry, Shqiprim began to see the path forward—and his own potential to become part of it.
“At that moment, I felt like I was riding synchronicity’s boots—a heart-pounding reminder that all the effort, time, and energy I had invested up to that point was worthwhile, and that I truly belonged in this industry,” said Shqiprim.
Greta introduced him to the MREA’s PV Associate Core Course Package, giving Shqiprim an opportunity to build the technical knowledge and confidence he needed to move forward. What began as a chance encounter quickly became an intensive learning experience. By the end of the week, Shqiprim had not only expanded his understanding of solar and energy systems—he had earned his NABCEP PV Associate Credential.
For Shqiprim, the credential represented more than a line on a résumé. It gave him a stronger foundation from which to pursue his goals and helped transform an idea for a business into something tangible.
“The MREA program truly felt like a ‘one-and-done’ opportunity that opened doors I couldn’t have otherwise accessed, giving me the tools to translate training into a real business and career.”
Shqiprim’s story is a reminder that entering a new industry doesn’t have to mean navigating it alone. The right training can provide more than technical knowledge—it can build confidence, create connections, and help turn a career goal into a tangible opportunity.
Whether you’re new to solar or looking to expand your expertise, the MREA’s PV Associate Core Course Package provides the technical foundation, practical skills, and industry connections to help you take the next step.
Learn more about MREA’s fully online package and exciting, new hybrid series, which combines online learning with in-person instruction.
MREA Training Programs
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) provides industry-leading renewable energy training designed for professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to expand your expertise, MREA offers flexible online and in-person courses in solar photovoltaics, energy storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and other clean energy technologies. From foundational training and NABCEP exam preparation to advanced technical coursework and continuing education, MREA’s expert-led programs equip students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing clean energy workforce.