I am subedar S Jeyakumar, a retired Veteran, who had served the country for 26 years, I was at a crossroads in my life. Although I had left the Corps of Signals voluntarily on 31 December 2019, I was uncertain about what my future held. However, in August 2022, I received a sponsorship from the Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO) that opened up a new door of opportunities for me.

I was excited to embark on a second career with FIRST SOLAR, a US-based multinational corporation that specialized in manufacturing photovoltaic solar panels. The prospect of working in a cutting-edge industry that promoted sustainable living was exhilarating, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity at a very handsome CTC of Rs 9,00,144/-.

After undergoing several rounds of interviews, I was selected to be an equipment coordinator and was sent to FIRST SOLAR's plant PGT3 in Perrysburg, Ohio, USA, for a three-month tech seeding training. The idea of working with advanced technology in a state-of-the-art facility was incredibly appealing, and I was eager to learn as much as I could during my time there.

I vividly remember my arrival in Perrysburg, Ohio, on Nov 25, 2022. The crisp autumn air, the smell of fallen leaves, and the warm welcome from my colleagues made me feel at home. My boarding and lodging was fully taken care by the company, with a very comfortable stay. As a retired veteran, I was used to being part of a team that worked towards a common goal, and I was glad to observe that the working atmosphere at my new place of employment was filled with the same mindset with several verticals functioning together in synergy.

The three months of technical instruction were intense, but they were also incredibly rewarding. I had a convenient and comfortable daily schedule that allowed me to focus on studying during the tech seed training. I was exposed to conversations with US accents, which helped me improve my language skills significantly. Additionally, I learned how to operate advanced test equipment, troubleshoot problems, and work efficiently in a team environment.

The sense of accomplishment I felt after completing each goal as per the checklist was the most thrilling aspect of my experience. Every task I did made me feel proud and content, whether it was calibrating a piece of equipment or thermal coating and vapour thin layer deposition on a glass substrate that makes a solar panel. Although it was very different from my time in the military, I discovered a new mission and purpose to serve. The job at FIRST SOLAR provides me with a comfortable living, but it's more than just a source of income. It's a way for me to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the environment. The panels that I help manufacture will undoubtedly brighten many homes and reduce the carbon footprint of households and businesses alike.

In conclusion, my experience at FIRST SOLAR has been nothing short of fantastic. As a retired veteran, I am extremely fortunate to have been given this opportunity by AWPO,RO,Chennai. The training was rigorous, but it prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead. I am grateful to AWPO and FIRST SOLAR for providing me with this opportunity and also sending me to the USA for 4 months which involved an expenditure of almost 10 Lakhs for the company. I am really very excited about what the future holds.