January 16, 2024

As a nearly 40-year veteran of FirstEnergy, Smart Grid Performance Manager Mark Vallo has seen vast changes within the electric utility industry, including the evolution of technology and automated equipment. With that comes the need to recruit future generations of employees who can operate it.

That’s why Mark is committed to sharing with youth across northeast Ohio STEM-related fields through his involvement with the FirstEnergy Academy of Emerging Technology and Design at Akron Public School’s (APS) Garfield High School.

Through this program, Mark and fellow employees provide students with hands-on learning experiences in diverse fields of the electric utility industry, such as engineering, business management, environmental protection, information technology and more.

Most recently, dozens of APS students from Garfield High School, Ellet Community Learning Center and STEM High School in Akron, Ohio, spent the day at Fairlawn Service Center to hear what happens behind the scenes to keep their lights on and see firsthand how the electric grid operates.

“FirstEnergy provides a lot of career paths for different types of individuals, not just engineers and line workers,” said Mark. “I encourage students to take a variety of different courses throughout high school to see what interests them most, and then see how those skills and interests can apply to a role within the electric utility industry.”

Students kicked off their day with employees giving them a tour of the distribution control center (DCC), learning how the DCC serves as the command post for utility system operators to manage the electric grid and communicate with field personnel, like line workers.

Line crews also gave students a live safety demonstration to depict some of the most common causes of power outages, such as animals contacting equipment or tree branches falling on power lines. The presentation not only showcased how a system operator in a control room addresses these types of outage events, but also depicted some of the hazards first responders and the public could face when approaching scenes where vehicles or other objects may be in contact with live wires.

Students concluded their visit by witnessing the practical application of our latest smart grid technology depicted on a new smart grid trailer. The smart grid trailer features real-life scenarios and demonstrates advanced electrical equipment used in the field, providing a controlled environment for training and education.

“When I look back at the experiences that I’ve had here at FirstEnergy, it’s been a fun and rewarding career,” said Mark. “I encourage youth to explore opportunities in this industry because electricity is the lifeblood of our communities. It’s fulfilling to provide this essential service, whether it be on the front lines or behind the scenes.”