3 minute read
Career Exploration Through Real-World Experience
Electric Pre-Apprentice Program
Last summer, the Westerville Electric Division (WED) partnered with the Westerville City School District (WCSD) to launch a new pre-apprenticeship program, which provides opportunities for high school students to explore electric-related careers, such as linework and electrical engineering, in real-world environments.
“The program has exceeded expectations, expanding from its initial two lineworker positions to include a traffic signal technician,” said WED Utility Manager Chris Monacelli. “The diverse group of WCS students has brought fresh perspectives and energy to the WED team, with one already expressing a strong interest in pursuing a career as a lineworker.”
Students get a firsthand view of what working in different positions with WED is like while receiving education about municipal government, public power and the difference between working for municipal government and for-profit electric utility companies.
“Before the program is done, the apprentices will be very well rounded,” said WED Utility Business Manager Tara Trigg. “We’ve really taken a holistic approach. Some students are curious about other positions within the City, and we’ve connected them to people who can help them explore those careers as well.”
The program equips students with the experience needed to make knowledgeable decisions about their future careers and the best way to achieve their goals.
“I’ve told all of the apprentices that when they leave here, if they decide that either line work, traffic or electrical engineering is not for them, that’s still a success,” said Trigg. “They’re still young and exploring what they do and do not like, but the program lets them know that there are lots of great career options, and many don’t always require a traditional college degree.”
“Just because you’re from a family of all collegebound people, you don’t have to do that," said Alex Troyer, a WED pre-apprentice and Westerville North High School senior. “You can break the mold and do something different.”
Prior to opening the program to WCS students, WED worked with students from the Mid-East Career and Technology Center in Zanesville and continues to do so. Nine of those students now work for WED full time in various positions. The hope is for WCS students in the program to continue to work throughout the year to receive school credit and continue on their path of exploring electric-related careers.
WED is committed to continuing and expanding the program to include a utility arborist position next year. This initiative reinforces WED's dedication to fostering talent and investing in the community's future workforce. WCSD students interested in the program should contact their school counselors to learn more.
