Building tomorrow’s workforce today

Public power utilities invest in youth, education and community to fill critical roles

Communities everywhere are asking the same question: How do we find–and keep–the people we need to power essential services?

For many public power utilities, they don’t have to look far to find the answer.

To create meaningful career pathways, some utilities mentor students and invest in local talent. Others raise public awareness about the variety of roles that help keep the lights on.

Some–such as Heartland Energy–offer creative, flexible hiring incentives.

At the American Public Power Association (APPA) National Conference in June, utility leaders shared how public power utilities can build pipelines for local talent and publicize jobs within the utility sector.

Mentorship and education

Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) in Tennessee has introduced hundreds of high school juniors to utility careers through their program, TeenWork.

Launched in 1995, the program includes professional skills workshops, mentorships and community service. After graduation, students can continue in a student employment program while pursuing college, trade school or certification.

Director of Community Relations Leslye Hartsell said KUB also participates in Earn to Learn, a program that pays students to work while they attend school at a nearby community college.

“They work for us, so they’re learning their skill or trade,” she said. “We’ve reaped a lot of benefits from that and we’ve actually hired several students.”

KUB hasn’t stopped there. They launched a utility apprentice program in 2021 to create a career path for candidates who may not seek a college degree but still want to pursue meaningful work.

Educating all ages

The team at Holland Board of Public Works in Michigan looks closely at ways to engage local youth and help them picture a future in utilities.

“We care about how our current employees feel, but we’re also looking at that youth engagement,” said Julie DeCook, communications manager. “That’s why we’re able to be so intentional and have the support to do these programs.”

Holland’s efforts include marketing, recruiting and education across all age groups–from young children to senior citizens.

One key tool is the Holland Energy Park Visitor Center. This unique, interactive space teaches people about electricity, power resources, technology and more. It also includes a career exploration wall.

DeCook emphasized the importance of showing people the variety of careers available–not just linework, but engineering, customer service, technology and more.

Internships and scholarships

At Huntsville Utilities, workforce development is a top priority. Vice president for employee engagement Dr. Harry Hobbs said the Alabama public power utility included it as a key focus item in their strategic plan.

“We’re trying to set industry standards,” Hobbs said. “We want to create an education-to-workforce pipeline.”

Huntsville Utilities hosts internships and offers scholarships in partnership with local colleges. They introduce electric, gas, water and fiber services to fourth graders through special education days.

“We’ve got to get young folks to come in and become familiar with this industry, which to some people is still a mystery,” he said.

Local solutions through Heartland Energy

The same workforce challenges discussed at the national level also exist right here. Public power utilities served by Heartland can find solutions through our workforce development program.

Key aspects include:

• Signing bonuses to help attract new employees
• Relocation assistance for candidates willing to move
• Recruitment scholarships for students pursuing Power Line and Construction programs, with a commitment to work at their local utility after graduation
• Tuition reimbursement for approved apprentice and journeyman training programs

The program is flexible and can be tailored to each utility’s needs. While originally created to recruit and retain lineworkers, it can be adapted for other critical roles.

“We want to give our customers a practical way to grow their team and invest in the next generation of utility workers,” said Heartland Energy Customer Relations Manager Kelly Dybdahl. “Our program offers tools that do more than fill positions. We help utilities strengthen their communities by offering long-term, stable careers close to home.”

Municipal utilities with union positions can also use the program, provided union guidelines are followed.

Investing in the future

When it comes to keeping our communities powered and thriving, nothing matters more than having the right people on the job.

Whether it’s through mentorship, hands-on experience or marketing, utilities across the country–and in our own backyard–are laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s public power workforce.