FirstEnergy Corp. has announced an $85,000 grant to the Energy Innovation Center Institute (EICI) to support their efforts in recruiting and training diverse candidates from economically distressed communities in Pennsylvania for utility apprenticeships. The grant will be used to provide resources such as computers, training equipment, stipends, and curriculum development to prepare these candidates for entry into apprenticeship programs.
Scott Wyman, President of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania Operations, emphasized the need for skilled utility workers as experienced employees retire. He stated, “We are pleased to provide funding to help the Infrastructure Academy establish a pool of diverse candidates ready to enter apprenticeship and job-training programs offered by FirstEnergy and other utility companies. It is crucial to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and takes pride in the work it does.”
The Energy Innovation Center Institute (EICI) works with multiple utilities to connect talent from disadvantaged communities with skills-based jobs in the utility industry. Their Infrastructure Academy (IA) offers training and screening to prepare candidates for highly competitive apprenticeship and training programs. The curriculum includes strategies to navigate climbing programs, life skills for on-the-job success, and training on safety and using tools of the trade.
Rich DiClaudio, President and CEO of the EICI, expressed excitement for FirstEnergy’s support and emphasized the importance of addressing the industry’s skills-based human capital problem. He stated, “FirstEnergy’s grant provides meaningful support to advance the programming of the Infrastructure Academy and solve the growing skills-based human capital problem in the industry.”
The EICI operates training facilities in southwestern and eastern Pennsylvania and is expanding its reach throughout the state. Currently, five regulated utility partners participate in the IA, with expectations of adding more companies in the future. EICI has already seen success with approximately 3,700 graduates employed in the utility and critical infrastructure industries in Pennsylvania and the Appalachian region.
FirstEnergy’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce aligns with their core values. The company aims to backfill their aging workforce with employees who represent the demographics of their service areas. By investing in the training and preparation of diverse candidates, FirstEnergy is taking tangible steps to ensure a well-trained, effective, safe, and diverse workforce.
Founded in 2016, the Energy Innovation Center Institute is a 501c3 organization that provides skills-based workforce training for individuals from disadvantaged communities, veterans, and others facing barriers to workforce entry. The institute also advises companies, regulators, and governing bodies on aspects of the clean energy transition.
FirstEnergy Corp. is one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the nation, serving millions of customers across multiple states. The company is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
With this grant, FirstEnergy is making a significant contribution to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce in the utility industry. By partnering with the Energy Innovation Center Institute, they are addressing the challenge of recruiting and training minority candidates for utility careers. This investment will not only benefit the candidates but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the industry.
