March 20, 2018

Fossil Workforce Development’s close partnership with Youngstown State University’s (YSU) Power Plant Technology Program (PPT) has helped nearly 200 graduates of the program secure power plant operator positions at FirstEnergy since 2005.

The noteworthy collaboration, which continues to promote Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) curriculum and related career paths through the university, was recognized March 1 when YSU presented FirstEnergy with a 2018 Outstanding Education Partner Award at its ninth annual STEM College Awards Dinner.

“We’re very proud of our longstanding partnership with YSU, and the benefits it not only provides to students and the community, but to our fossil stations as well,” said Jim Jackson, Fossil Workforce Development manager. “Besides being an excellent recruiting tool for securing new hires, the program also encourages a culture of inclusiveness by attracting qualified, diverse candidates to our plants.”

YSU students attend labs for college credit at either our Sammis or Bruce Mansfield plants during the two-year program, where they receive tangible, hands-on experience with major power plant systems and instruction on proper safety and environmental practices. Once their first-year studies are complete, the students can apply for summer internships at our stations to gain even more real-world experience.

“Our Workforce Development trainers at the plants – senior generation specialists Bob Lampson and John Stiner – do a great job conducting the student labs at our stations,” said Bev Lindsay, senior Generation specialist, Fossil Workforce Development, who coordinates PPT program efforts with YSU.

FirstEnergy also partners with Pierpont Community & Technical College in North Central West Virginia to offer its students a similar program.

“Thank you to everyone at FirstEnergy whose hard work has helped us make this collaboration with YSU a success over the past 13 years,” added Jim. “This partnership wouldn’t be possible without your cooperation and enthusiasm for helping students in our surrounding communities.”

A group of FirstEnergy Fossil Generation student interns from YSU, all of whom were enrolled in the university’s Associate of Study in PPT degree program. Pictured with the interns are Workforce Development trainers John Stiner (far l.) and Bob Lampson (far r.).