15 Oct Finding Light After Loss: Michael Nedreski is Goodwill’s Achiever of the Year 

Goodlettsville resident Michael Nedreski, 30, was honored with the Achiever of the Year Award, presented by T&T Family Foundation, at Goodwill’s annual Impact Awards Lunch. Nedreski, a graduate of Goodwill’s Solar Installation Training Program, endured significant mental health challenges following the unexpected death of his 29-year-old sister, Alexa, in 2023.  

“She was a spitfire, a pistol and full of joy, and we were always mistaken for twins growing up,” Nedreski said about Alexa. “To have someone that cares about you that much is the definition of unconditional love, and a part of me wanted to follow the other piece of me that died with her.” 

Then working as a custom shower glass installer, Michael’s mental health struggles led to his resignation. 

Despite his ordeal, Michael diligently sought new employment, eventually stumbling upon an advertisement for Goodwill’s Solar Installer training program in February 2024. Initially skeptical of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the promise of a free, four-week training program in the clean energy industry with a weekly stipend seemed too good to be true. Nevertheless, he applied and was accepted.  

Launched in January 2024, the course taught in Nashville equips students to be solar power installation technicians. Topics include electrical energy fundamentals, safety standards, installation procedures, solar storage systems and more. Graduates earn Installer Basics Training 120, OSHA 10, CPR, and Construction Basics credentials.  

Michael, whom classmates called “Ned,” worked diligently to follow the daily lessons. Meanwhile, the stipend Goodwill provides its Skilled Trades students gave him crucial support for groceries and bills during his unemployment.  

He excelled in the program, and, after graduation, secured employment with LightWave Solar, a partner of Goodwill.  

“Despite challenges in his personal life, Ned took it upon himself to make the most of this training opportunity and to forge his own positive change,” said Skilled Trades Trainer Ian Weir. “He worked hard to master the skills needed to succeed in the program. All of this led to him quickly securing a job with Lightwave, with his sights set on a successful career within the industry.” 

In his role as a D/C Technician for the past year and a half, Michael said he has been enjoying the job and using the skills he gained in Goodwill’s program to succeed. While he said the pain of losing his sister will never fully go away, he has found a new confidence in himself and a new hope for his future.  

“Being able to get back on my feet and having a purpose and routine has absolutely changed my life and improved my mental health,” Michael said.  

With a bright career ahead, Michael is contemplating pursuing an electrician’s license in the future. He said every day he spends in the solar industry provides him with valuable, hands-on experience with complex systems.  

Michael said he wants to encourage anyone looking for a new opportunity in an exciting field to learn more about Goodwill’s Solar Installer Training Program.  

“The instructors did such a phenomenal job, and it was truly one of the best short-term education programs I’ve received,” Michael said. “It (Solar Installer course) not only prepared me for the field but also had a huge impact on my life when I needed it most.”