POWERGRAMS

100% CONNECTED Employees ready students for jobs during SkillsUSA Leadership Conference PAGE 6 Photos by Bill Snow Student Engineer Daniel Woodard, far right, talks with conference participants. O ne of the best ways to learn about a career is to get the perspective of the person doing that job. Fifteen employees shared an "insider's view" about Alabama Power jobs with many of the 2,000 students attending the Alabama SkillsUSA Leadership Conference, Career Expo and State Championships at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Complex on April 24-25. Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Journeyman Kevin Walker talked with dozens of high school students, providing career advice and guidance. Walker said he could have used that guidance after he graduated from high school. "I enjoy giving advice and a brief overview of jobs, telling students about the training they'll need for jobs they're considering," said Walker, who has worked at Plant Gaston 12 years. "I love the job I'm doing, working with electrical equipment and parts, testing and repairing equipment. To me, getting new equipment and learning how it works is exciting." Finding his calling was an experience for Walker. Unsure about a career, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1991-96 after graduating from Shelby County High School. The Navy was a perfect training ground for Alabama Power, he said, because his gasturbine mechanic skills transferred easily to a plant environment. "The work we do at Gaston runs the gamut because we're exposed to so many different kinds of equipment," said Walker, who later earned a degree in finance from the University of Montevallo. "If there's maintenance to be done, our Wiring Shop is involved in it. I love the hands-on aspect of my work." Walker has enjoyed job stability. "Out of all my friends, I'm the only one who's had a job at the same company for several years, because of the volatility of the job market," he said. Parker High School Automotive Technologies teacher Jeffrey Edward Nelson encouraged his students to attend the expo. "I wanted to see the different jobs for myself," said Parker High School sophomore Derrick Buckingham, 16. "I'm thinking about engineering, but there are so many things I can do." E&I Journeyman Lester Cherry demonstrated smart-grid technology to Parker and other students in a simulation of a tree falling on a line and how Alabama Power prevents voltage from flowing on a circuit. The demonstration showed how employees re-direct power, isolate and repair a line, allowing more customers to keep service. "Today's technology is so exciting, with the smart devices and all the different ways Alabama Power is creating electricity including biomass, solar and wind power," Cherry said. At Alabama Power and throughout the country, the need for skilled labor is growing, said Recruiting Consultant Eric Phillips, HR - Acquisition. He noted many applicants are going back to school, which makes their résumés stand out, in comparison to other candidates. "There is a big gap in the trades and skilled jobs, so candidates with the skills and education are the West Jefferson Distribution Specialist Scott Crews, far right, talks with students. ones with the best chances of getting screened in for interviews," said Phillips, who recently reviewed 850 résumés for entry-level positions. "We're trying to talk to students and let them know there are jobs available at our power plants, on our line crews and in many different areas." Phillips stressed to students the importance of having a good résumé, as well as the proper skills and training to meet test requirements for entry-level positions. Joel Owen, training manager at Alabama Power's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Training Center at Mitchell Dam, told students about job prospects. A judge for the competition for 20 years, he said HVAC is an excellent fit for prospects who enjoy troubleshooting and working with their hands. Since 1986, nearly 30,000 participants have received HVAC training, professional development and continuing education through Alabama Power's training center in Verbena. "I love sharing information and knowledge about HVAC with students, and helping them in their lives," said Owen, who has nearly 40 years of industry experience. "The job outlook for HVAC technicians is excellent. An additional 136,000 workers will be needed in the field by 2018. We need to make sure there are properly trained technicians and other workers to support our allies in the electric industry." Workforce Development Specialist Tom McNeal said the SkillsUSA program has been instrumental in getting the word out about future jobs in the trades. "Alabama Power is a proud supporter of career and technical education, and we're trying to share information that students need to get prepared now for positions at our company and with our customers, to ensure economic growth," McNeal said. "Teamwork, a good attitude, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills are all high on the list for our future employees." By Donna Cope

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