PECO recently hosted its fourth Infrastructure Academy, an exclusive three-day class that equips job seekers with needed skills for successful careers in the energy industry.

The sessions are led by PECO leaders and include a company overview, mock interviews, and assessment demonstrations of how to safely work in craft positions.

The Infrastructure Academy is part of PECO’s workforce development initiative, which aims to create and support an inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities it serves.

Through the Infrastructure Academy, participants receive hands-on experience and guidance from PECO crew members, who help them learn what area best suits their skills. 

Since its launch, the Academy — which is eligible for any job-ready adult at least 18 years of age — has served as an important driver for the growth of the economy as electricity, public utilities, and telecommunications are among the most essential services that drive economic activity.  

Craft positions include aerial line mechanic, underground mechanic, distribution gas mechanic, transmission and substations testing technician, transmission and substations maintenance-technician, overhead transmissions line mechanic, and energy technicians. 

In addition to hosting the Academy this week at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, PECO also partnered with 15 employers from the Greater Philadelphia region to connect participants to career opportunities within their respective companies.

Beyond Literacy, a PECO partner, also offered guidance for professional exams on things such as Construction and Skilled Trade System, AMO, along with basic life skills and training.

The organizations that attended the event to share information about job opportunities included: 

• Amtrak
• Asplundh
• Carr & Duff
• CMC Energy
• Danella
• Empower Construction LLC
• Flagger Force
• Henkels & McCoy
• Intren
• Miller Bros
• PGW
• Philadelphia Housing Authority
• Philadelphia Water Department
• Philadelphia Works
• SEPTA

Over 100 job seekers interested in pursuing careers as an electric or natural gas mechanic were in attendance.

In addition, several elected officials attended and were represented at the closing event, including Cherelle Parker, City Council President Darrelle Clark, Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier, and several others. 

PECO has long been committed to help train, educate, and equip local residents with the skills to enter careers in the city’s growing energy industry with an eye toward eliminating barriers to economic empowerment, equipping work-ready adults and youth for family-supporting careers, and engineering new ideas.