Northeastern Technical College student Christian Tiller of McBee is “powering” his education toward a career in the utility industry thanks to an internship program with Progress Energy.
Tiller is completing an internship at Progress Energy through the Power Careers Program while working toward an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics at NETC in Cheraw.
The Power Careers Program provides students with an introduction to the business of power plant operations and supports their completion of an associate degree relevant to the power industry. Upon graduation, top-performing students may be offered a full-time job opportunity with Progress Energy.
“Many students today believe the only avenue to success is a four-year college education, but skills gained from on-the-job training combined with higher education at a technical college can provide a great opportunity for a solid career for the right individuals,” Progress Energy Power Careers Coordinator Lee McCollum said. “Through the Power Careers Program, Progress Energy develops a student’s potential as a successful employee in an environment that is challenging and encourages students to become problem solvers.”
Tiller also received a $650 scholarship through the Power Careers Program for maintaining a 3.2 grade-point average and receiving good on-the-job evaluations.
“Northeastern Technical College is proud of students like Christian Tiller who recognize the success that can be gained by obtaining an associate degree in applied technology and learning craft skills that the job market increasingly demands,” said Ron Bartley, NETC president. “The Power Careers Program with Progress Energy is a great example of what can be achieved when employers use our college as a resource for training their workforce according to their needs.”
Tiller was nominated for the program while he was a senior at McBee High School. Upon graduation, he began his internship at Progress Energy through the summer months.
Students in the Power Careers Program are paid for the work they do at Progress Energy. They can work up to 20 hours per week for 11 weeks during each semester and 40 hours per week during the summer. Students rotate through I&C, Mechanic and Operator positions every six months.
“Progress Energy provides a flexible work schedule that makes it easy to go to school and work too,” Tiller said. “I really enjoy working at Progress Energy while earning my degree because it allows me to see the curriculum that I am studying in the classroom being applied on the job.”
Students must be nominated for the program by a teacher, career development counselor or faculty member. Interested students who are nominated must complete a series of application forms and participate in a formal interview process.
For information on how to apply or to nominate a student for the program, visit www.progress-energy.com/powercareers, or email powercareers@pgnmail.com.
Post a Comment
