GWO Instructor, James Pekarek
At the heart of Sky Climber Renewables, a leader in wind turbine repair and maintenance services, you’ll find an exceptional team of professionals working tirelessly towards our shared vision. Among these, our safety & technical training instructors play a pivotal role in carrying our mission forward. Today, we’re proud to spotlight one of our incredible instructors, James Pekarek, who embodies the heart and spirit of our company. This individual’s experiences and insights provide a glimpse into what makes Sky Climber Renewables a dynamic and rewarding place to work.
Q&A:
What is your role at the company and how long have you been with us?
“I am a GWO Safety & Technical Training instructor for Sky Climber’s TOP Program, I have been with Sky Climber for exactly 3 ½ years.”
What do you enjoy most about working here?
“Definitely the camaraderie and the relaxed working environment. I enjoy working with all kinds of people from all over the country, finding common interests and making connections.”
Share a memorable moment or project that you’ve worked on during your time here.
“During the beginning of the Covid pandemic, all of the instructors worked non-stop to develop and roll out select online, remote training courses for the new hires. I enjoyed being a part of that development process and ensuring it’s success for our technicians in the field.”
How does your role contribute to the company’s overall mission and goals?
“My role is to keep the program moving forward and provide the best training possible. My objective is quality of instruction and to instill a foundation for our organizations safety culture. I like to feel as if I am using my own career and life experiences to mentor the students and see them through to success in this industry.”
What skills or qualities do you think are important to succeed in your position, with the company, or in our industry?
“Skills that are important to me are firstly people skills. A successful instructor needs to be able to work with and mentor all different types of people at all skill levels. Subject matter expertise, adaptability and the ability to keep a level of engagement are all important skills.”
Can you tell us about a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it?
“The biggest challenge I have faced here was when I injured my back outside of work 2 years ago. With the help and support of Chris, our TOP Program Manager, and Jerry, our Lead Instructor, I was able to continue to work full time instructing until I was able to get back out on the ladders.”
How do you collaborate with your team members or other departments to achieve success?
“My team members and I collaborate continually. Each morning we discuss the day’s schedule and develop a game plan. Every other Wednesday at 4:00pm, all of us instructors meet to align ourselves with the most current GWO requirements and to make sure we are all on the same page with the curriculum.”
What is your favorite thing about the company culture and the people you work with?
“Our company has a ‘cozy’ culture all its own. My current coworkers I also consider my friends. They are all supportive of each other and myself and work as a team to accomplish our common goals.”
What is your favorite thing about working in our industry?
“My favorite thing would have to be the wide variety of people I meet and work with. I get to influence and help guide the careers of young technicians from everywhere around the country.”
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
“I have a wide variety of interests and hobbies. I enjoy riding motorcycles, I have ridden my Harley across the country and back twice. I love target shooting and hunting. I am an avid salmon fisherman. I have also been a drummer most of my life. In the summer I enjoy attending the drag races and car shows when I can.”
Passion drives us forward
This spotlight offers a glimpse into the dedication and camaraderie that forms the core of Sky Climber’s culture. Our team’s commitment to excellence, adaptability, and continuous learning is a testament to our success and industry leadership.
Whether it’s our unique company culture, our focus on quality instruction, or our shared passion for innovation, it’s clear that Sky Climber is more than just a workplace. It’s a community where talented professionals, like our safety & technical training instructors, come together to make a real impact on the wind industry.
At Sky Climber, we’re proud of our employees who contribute to the industry’s progress and our company’s success daily. It’s their dedication and passion that drive us forward. We hope that this insight into our world encourages prospective candidates, assures clients of our unwavering commitment, and inspires employees to continue excelling in their roles.
Stay tuned for more Employee Spotlights, as we continue to celebrate the individuals who make Sky Climber an exceptional place to work and grow in the wind industry.
To learn more about careers at Sky Climber Renewables, visit our career page.