REI Alumnus Spotlight – Ash Penley

GMC Certificate Achievers & REI Alumni Spotlight Greendeal America – Ash Penley

In this section, we focus on the achievements of those who have attended REI courses and those who have attained the internationally recognised Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) to establish their careers in the renewable energy industry. This month, the REI talks to Ash Penley who runs her own Renewable Energy consultancy business – Greendeal America. Ash has taken various REI distance learning courses, and has now achieved the Renewable Energy Expert Consultant and Low Carbon Expert Consultant Certificates.

1. What is your current expertise and how does this relate to the renewable energy field? I have 15 years’ experience working in the Oil & Gas Industry as a Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor. After taking the REI courses, I now run my own consultancy business on Clean Tech and Renewable Energy Projects.

2. Why did you choose to train with the Renewable Energy Institute to receive the Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) and Expert Certificates? After thorough research, I could not find any other Centre providing such good training on Renewable Energy and Carbon Management subjects with such good value for money. The internationally recognised Galileo Master Certificate is prestigious and recognised within the industry. I have now qualified as a Renewable Energy Expert Consultant and a Low Carbon Expert Consultant with the REI. I have been able to study various courses covering topics including Renewable Energy Management and Finance (which was the best course ever!), Carbon Management and Renewable Energy Solutions, to name but a few. The courses have been interesting, fun and accessible. Being able to take the courses online was an advantage because I could listen to the difficult concepts as many times as I liked.

3. What are the skills that you gained with the Renewable Energy Institute, and how have you applied these skills to your career?The skills I have taken from these courses are invaluable, since not many people in business know the details of these subjects, knowledge is Power! For instance, there are so many clean technologies now, but nobody knows the details of the Clean Development Mechanisms – I now do! Since I took REI courses, I have been more confident and knowledgeable about these subjects in whatever environment I find myself, social or professional. I’ve even put my knowledge to test with reputable organisations such as Carbon Trust and Sgurr Energy who have been in the Renewable Energy and Carbon Management sectors for 15-16 years! The courses I have taken with the REI helped me see the opportunities in developing Green arenas in making my business plan; I now run my own Consultancy Company! I think for anyone considering to work or improve in the Renewable Energy or Clean Tech areas, the REI’s courses are invaluable. They are enjoyable, affordable and full of good information that not many people know because most of these concepts are new.