FirstEnergy's Utility Worker Training Partnerships with Community Colleges Begin New School Year

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 300 students are headed back to school as part of FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) Power Systems Institute, a unique worker training program that combines learning hands-on utility skills at company training facilities with technical coursework at local community college classrooms.

The award-winning, two-year program is designed to train the next generation of FirstEnergy's utility line and substation workers.  Of those currently enrolled in the Power Systems Institute programs at 12 schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia, about 40 are in their second year, with 270 beginning their first year.  In addition to being considered for employment at FirstEnergy upon graduation, students will earn an associate degree in Electric Utility Technology.

"Since we created this program in 2000, more than 1,100 Power Systems Institute graduates currently are working in the field as FirstEnergy utility employees, using the training they received from this unique program to help keep the lights on for our customers," said Steven E. Strah, president, FirstEnergy Utilities.  "Whether it's linemen who work above ground or substation personnel who operate on the ground, the Power Systems Institute is a great opportunity for someone looking for a career in the utility industry."

FirstEnergy has Power Systems Institute partnerships with the following colleges:

• Ohio – Stark State College in North Canton; Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland; Kent State University at Trumbull in Warren; and Owens Community College in Toledo.
• Pennsylvania – Reading Area Community College in Reading; Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood; Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown; and Porreco College of Edinboro University in Erie.
• New Jersey – Brookdale Community College in Lincroft; and Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch.
• West Virginia – Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont; and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg.

Information about future enrollment in the Power Systems Institute is available at www.firstenergycorp.com/psi or by calling 800-829-6801.

FirstEnergy's utilities include: Jersey Central Power & Light in New Jersey; Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison in Ohio; Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), Pennsylvania Power (Penn Power), and West Penn Power in Pennsylvania; Mon Power in West Virginia; and Potomac Edison in Maryland.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.  Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com, and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.  The utility companies also will provide updates via Twitter:

• Toledo Edison: @ToledoEdison
• The Illuminating Company: @IlluminatingCo
• Ohio Edison: @OhioEdison
• Mon Power: @MonPowerWV
• JCP&L: @JCP_L
• Penn Power: @Penn_Power
• Penelec: @Penelec
• Met-ED: @Met_Ed
• Potomac Edison: @PotomacEdison
• West Penn Power: @W_Penn_Power

Editor's Note:  Photos of Power Systems Institute students practicing their pole climbing are available for download on Flickr.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.