Alabama Power among companies targeting future workers at Skills USA Career Expo
During the annual Skills USA Career Expo at the BJCC, an Alabama Power lineman (right) shared with students the needed skill sets for obtaining good-paying jobs of the future.
More than 1,500 students descended on the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) for the Skills USA Career Expo on April 20.
Alabama Power targets future workers at Skills USA Career Expo from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Safety and Training Specialist Delron Garrett (right) was among employees who shared information about Alabama Power with students such as Jarvis (left) and Hope. (Contributed)
For Tamra Jarvis and Ashlin Hope, it was an eye-opening day. The Shelby County College and Career Center students were among about 700 teenagers who discussed future careers with Alabama Power employees. Jarvis and Hope said that seeing company displays and talking with employees provided insight into what it takes to get employed. Jarvis came away with an understanding about how the company’s linemen, engineers, designers and other employees make a difference in her everyday life.
“Where I live, in Pea Ridge, near Montevallo, everyone works for Alabama Power,” said Jarvis, 18. “It’s cool to know why they’re up in the air, knowing what they’re doing,” she said, after trying one of Power Delivery’s interactive displays that show how the power lines operate.
The annual Career Expo supports career and technical education, showcasing more than 100 fields: logistics, surveying, aircraft mechanics, design, pipe fitting, welding, factory maintenance. computer technician work, firefighting, collision repair, criminal justice, tool and die making, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning and more.
Nearly 25 students from several Alabama schools also participated in a broadcast news production at Alabama Power. Students were responsible for writing, producing and anchoring a brief newscast and were judged on the best final product.
Workforce Development Specialist Tom McNeal said increased awareness about the company and employment opportunities are paramount for the company. About 20 Alabama Power employees talked with youngsters about everything from computer-aided design, geographic information systems (GIS) and skills required for the jobs of the future.
Survey Specialist Shea Serian explained, “We’re not only about operating power lines. We also have survey crews for transmission lines. There are other jobs with Alabama Power. If you enjoy math skills, hunting and fishing, you’ve got a possible career ahead. We work four 10-hour days, outdoors. It’s not all asphalt and concrete. This is dealing with mountainous terrain, rough conditions, everything from mountains to swamps.”
Survey Technician James Woodall, who has worked at Alabama Power 38 years, said he received on-the-job training.
“You may be outside using a six-wheeler and GPS,” Woodall said. “We also use GIS software. That technology brought surveying into the 21st century.” For example, Woodall’s work group surveys elevations for power lines that cross rivers, requiring math skills to figure the line heights needed for clearance for shipping channels. But “soft” skills are equally necessary.
“Every day, it’s the opportunity to meet landowners and homeowners and solve problems,” Woodall said. “We get with them to solve problems and serve as a liaison. You’re the first person they meet and you represent the company.”
Students prepare for, learn to ‘clinch’ high-paying job offers
Alabama Power among companies targeting future workers at Skills USA Career Expo (Contributed)
McNeal said that his team provided personal interaction, advising youngsters about required skill sets and job paths, as well as how to apply for, interview and “clinch” that all-important job offer.
“We get the students involved in an interactive activity, and then introduce them to our Talent Acquisition recruiting consultants who advise them about how to prepare for these positions. They discuss recruiters discuss job descriptions and salaries.” McNeal said that Skills USA is one of four large annual events that he and other employees take part in, reaching about 24,000 students annually.
“We recognize that if we don’t help graduating classes understand the energy industry, other industries will be out there promoting themselves,” McNeal noted. “Some people ask, ‘What is the cost of doing this?’ But the real question is, what is the future cost of not doing this? Competition is fierce for new talent and will only grow more so in the future. We need to be in the conversation with these students and be the “employer of choice.” We have to let students know we’re a great company and a great industry to be in, with jobs ranging from line crews to generating plants to engineering, customer service and more.”
Jody Clay, an Engineer in Training alumni, shared his perspective as a young engineer moving up through the ranks of Power Delivery. Eight years ago, Clay applied online and was recruited for Power Delivery – Distribution. He has worked as a field engineer, a Distribution Control Center operator, a reliability engineer and recently transitioned to team leader of the Distribution Operations Center – Metro Central Office in Birmingham.
“While you’re young, take time to decide what you want to do,” advised Clay, a graduate of Alabama A&M University. “Do something you love. I try to get to know them and make sure they’re on the right path to what they want to do,” said Clay, who took part in one-on-one planning sessions with a dozen students before 10 a.m.
“One mom came up to me and said, ‘What do you have to do to become an engineer?” Clay said. “He was the student I sold on the company. I told him, ‘This is the best company ever. If you love it, you’ll never work a day in your life when you’re doing something you love.’’”
