Throughout history, engineers have had a passion for changing the world. As our world continues to advance, National Engineers Week celebrates the profession and recognizes how engineers make positive contributions and inspire future generations.

“One of the things that inspired me to pursue engineering was my love for math and science, and also having a creative and curious mindset that led to being able to solve complex problems,” said Martell Williams, Alabama Power Distribution Control Center manager. Williams said he leads a team of highly trained and skilled professionals who operate one of the most sophisticated systems in the country.

The National Society of Professional Engineers started National Engineers Week in 1951 to promote a well-educated, diverse engineering workforce in the U.S. The celebration has grown to a coalition of 70 engineering, education and cultural societies, and more than 50 corporations and government agencies.

Alabama Power engineers talk about careers during National Engineers Week from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

At Alabama Power, more than 450 employees with engineering degrees use their problem-solving skills in a variety of roles, including generation, power delivery, regulatory, environmental affairs, marketing and fleet services.

“My favorite part of being an engineer for the power company is the day-to-day troubleshooting I get to do, the people I get to work with and I get to fix problems all day long,” said Madeline Thompson, engineer at Alabama Power’s Plant Gaston.

Every day, Alabama Power engineers make significant contributions to projects that help the company serve its more than 1.5 million customers across the state.

Casey Hardage, Alabama Power Hydro Services engineer, is involved with a series of projects to modernize the company’s hydro facilities.

“Most of our plants were constructed in the 1920s to 1960s,” he explained. “These current projects basically modernize our fleet, so, it’s upgrades to units, it’s the auxiliary equipment and it touches many different disciplines.”

Alabama Power engineers continue to have a strong presence in professional organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers, Engineering Council of Birmingham and the American Association of Blacks in Energy. They are also involved in workforce development programs and organizations that promote and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, such as Future Engineers of America, Linemen, Engineers and Apprentice Programs (LEAP) and iCan! Girls in Engineering.

To young people considering a career in engineering, Williams offers this advice: “Stay committed to the process. There’s going to be a lot of long nights, a lot of studying, a lot of hard work, but it will pay off in the end.”