Louis, 34, wanted to be an actor for as long as he can remember. But making ends me while pursuing a dream isn’t the easiest thing to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Louis lost his $14/hour restaurant job, forcing him to reassess his future. So, he went down the less-traditional way to subsidize his acting career. He took a solar safety training course at Green Careers Dallas in 2020, giving him valuable skills needed to excel in the solar industry. At $20/hour he easily exceeded his restaurant wages as a solar installer with Skygate Solar, one of Green Careers Dallas’ employer partners. His new career gives him the flexibility, job satisfaction and time he needs to invest in his acting aspirations. “Working in an industry that helps the Earth and humanity beats restaurant work any day. I’m so glad I found Green Careers Dallas,” says Louis. And if the acting career doesn’t work out, he’s got a sustainable back-up that will keep him economically stable for years to come. Louis came back to Green Careers Texas in 2023 as an assistant in our March training, sharing his knowledge and experience with new trainees.