Tucson Electric Power works to create career opportunities for local students as a way to support a strong regional workforce.
We provide a variety of internships and collaborate with local organizations to sponsor events for middle school, high school and college students.
A key factor for companies considering relocating or expanding in the region is whether a prepared workforce is in place, said Marji Morris, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning. In addition to preparing students, businesses must work to retain students locally after graduation.
“We’re helping to grow the future workforce to drive our economy and to benefit the whole community,” Morris said.
Here are just five of the ways that TEP prepares students for careers:
Southern Arizona Construction Career Days
More than 4,000 middle school and high school students learned firsthand about careers in crafts and trades in the energy industry at the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days on Nov. 6 and 7. It was the fifth time that TEP participated in the event.
Partnering with other local utilities, TEP hosted booths and demonstrations at the event at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.
TEP line crews climbed poles and rappelled off transmission bucket trucks. Through hands-on activities, students learned about many areas of the company, including transmission and distribution, heavy equipment and renewable energy. Students also interacted with TEP’s solar trailer, which is equipped with photovoltaic panels that power TVs and video games.
“This event allows students to explore careers in the skilled trades at an early age,” said Jamie Carpenter, TEP’s Learning and Development Specialist.
Talent Taskforce Career Crawl
College students had the opportunity to hear a panel discussion and meet with employers from TEP and other companies at our Downtown Headquarters, as part of the Talent Taskforce Career Crawl on Sept. 20.
TEP partnered with the Tucson Metro Chamber and Tucson Young Professionals to give local students and young professionals the chance to explore local jobs and workplaces.
Other downtown businesses also hosted meet-and-greet stops where employers were recruiting candidates for internships and jobs following graduation.
College & Career Expo
TEP employees participated in the College & Career Expo on Oct. 23 with the Sunnyside Unified School District. Geared to high school students and their families, the focus was on craft, trades and technical jobs. Students were encouraged to enroll in career and technical education (CTE) classes within the district.
Along with Pima Community College and Southwest Gas, TEP promoted the new Energy Technology Certificate Program at Pima to help prepare students for utility jobs.
Internships
TEP provides internships for high school and college students, as well as adult professionals, including teachers and military service members. More than 75 people participate in internship programs annually at TEP.
The internships are a way for TEP to develop future leaders, support education in our community and develop a pipeline for future employees.
Learn more about TEP’s internships and our partnerships with local educational institutions.
Girl Power Day
Girls and teens made potato batteries and learned about women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, courtesy of TEP, at the Girl Power Day for Boys & Girls Club of Tucson members.
TEP employees volunteered at the Oct. 19 event at the University of Arizona. In addition, TEP provided in-kind donations and supported the hands-on, potato-battery session.
About 100 girls, ages 10-17, listened to a keynote address from UArizona Head Coach Adia Barnes of the women’s basketball team and chose between five breakout sessions led by women.
“The point is to help young girls build their confidence in STEM-related fields and to help them see themselves in those roles,” said Cynthia Garcia, Senior Director of Transmission & Distribution Operations, one of the volunteers.
Learn more about how TEP is powering education to train the next generation of industry leaders.
