Ohio Edison and Stark State College to Offer Training Program for Future Utility Workers

Power Systems Institute Will Train Students to Work on Power Lines and in Substations

News provided by

Oct 23, 2014, 01:00 ET

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is partnering with Stark State College to reinstate its award-winning program to train the next generation of utility line and substation workers.

The Power Systems Institute is a two-year program that combines learning hands-on utility skills at an Ohio Edison training facility with technical coursework learned in a Stark State College classroom. Program graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on electric power utility technology.

"The Power Systems Institute already has provided Ohio Edison with nearly 320 highly qualified employees who are working in the field today, using the training they received from this unique program to help keep the lights on for our customers," said Randall A. Frame, regional president of Ohio Edison. "Whether it's linemen who work above ground or substation personnel who operate on the ground, PSI provides great training for someone looking for a career in the utility industry."

"Our partnership with FirstEnergy to train line workers and substation technicians truly addresses Stark State's commitment to workforce development," said Para M. Jones, Ph.D., president of Stark State College. "This program will provide graduates with outstanding career opportunities in the electric power utility industry, and will provide FirstEnergy with a pool of well-trained, highly skilled employees."

FirstEnergy originally introduced the PSI in 2000 as a way to help replace retiring line workers. Programs were established at colleges throughout the company's six-state service area, including Stark State College. With the economic downturn, in 2011 most of the PSI programs were placed on hold because projected hiring needs did not support bringing in new students. As future manpower needs at FirstEnergy were re-evaluated, the decision was made to reinstate the PSI program, targeting a fall of 2015 enrollment class.

Program openings are limited, and applicants will be assessed through a competitive, multi-step process. An orientation program for prospective candidates will take place Saturday, November 15, 2014, from 10 a.m. to noon at Stark State College – Silk Auditorium, 6200 Frank Avenue, NW, North Canton, Ohio, 44720. More information is available at www.firstenergycorp.com/psi or by calling 800-829-6801.

Ohio Edison serves more than 1 million customers across 36 Ohio counties. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com, and follow Ohio Edison on Twitter @OhioEdison.

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. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Stark State College is a comprehensive, two-year institution of higher education with a mission to provide quality, high-value associate degrees, certificates and professional development in a diverse, student-centered learning environment. Conveniently located off of I-77, approximately halfway between downtown Canton and downtown Akron, Stark State is a community college serving Stark, Summit, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Tuscarawas, Wayne Counties and other counties in the region. By virtue of its unique location, Stark State serves urban, rural and suburban students. The College offers programs in business and entrepreneurial studies, education, engineering technologies, health sciences, human services, information technologies, liberal arts, math and sciences. University transfer partnerships with more than 40 universities in Ohio and nationwide, encourage students in the pursuit of bachelor's and master's degrees. Stark State has a strong reputation among business and industry as a leader in workforce development activities that support emerging business needs. For more information: www.starkstate.edu.