We Energies’ innovative efforts to recruit the next generation of utility workers are being recognized on a national level.

This week, Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented WEC Energy Group, the parent company of We Energies, with the Corporate Citizenship Award for Workforce Development.

“America’s electric companies power the communities they serve, and that commitment goes well beyond delivering reliable energy,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. “Our member companies help anchor their communities. Their employees live and work there, and they understand what their neighbors need. I’m proud to recognize these award-winning programs, which are creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in America’s energy future.”

“The energy grid of tomorrow starts with the investments we make today in the next generation of line mechanics and engineers,” said Scott Lauber, president and CEO of WEC Energy Group. “We’re proud to be recognized by EEI for helping high school students discover the important role they can play in our energy future, while opening doors to careers that are changing lives and strengthening our communities.”

About the program

We Energies partners with Milwaukee County high schools to teach juniors about careers in energy. Students are invited to attend an interactive field trip called Demo Days to learn what it takes to keep the lights on and energy flowing.

If they like what they see, they can choose to pursue one of three tracks: line mechanic intern, gas distribution apprentice or engineering design apprentice.

After a competitive hiring process, selected students earn a paycheck while working alongside We Energies employees their junior and senior years of high school.

In addition to teaching a trade, We Energies offers life coaching that focuses on boosting confidence, increasing self-awareness and building resilience. Students take money management courses, are given interview and resume training, and are paired with an employee who serves as a life mentor — a combination that has proven to be life-changing.

“This program has helped me to become a better man,” said Derek Coleman, a graduate of the program who is now a journeyman for We Energies. “This is a career, not just a job — I can do this for the next 40 years. I can help my family when they need it.”

Beyond high school

We Energies works closely with local universities and technical colleges as well as high schools.

For example, We Energies and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) opened a new location together in the heart of Milwaukee’s Metcalfe Park neighborhood for the school’s line mechanic program. We Energies donated a trailer for classroom instruction and yard space at its Metro North Service Center for field instruction.

The We Energies Foundation also contributes significant financial support for MATC and funds line mechanic scholarships for students in need.

Success stories

Jude Peruelo was one of those scholarship recipients. He began his career with We Energies when he was 16 years old.

“That summer, everything was new to me,” Peruelo said. “I came from the city, so I didn’t know a whole lot about tools or how to drive big trucks. I was learning something new every day.”

By the time he was 19, he had a technical degree, a full-time job and no college debt —and today he’s working as a journeyman line mechanic.

“Anytime my family needs something, I’m always there. I can help with bills at home. It’s a blessing to be able to do that,” Peruelo said.

Christopher Blue is 20 years old, a graduate of Washington High School of Information Technology and a Step 2 distribution worker apprentice.

Thanks to We Energies’ money management lessons and life coaching, he was recently able to purchase his first car.

“I know what I want in life, and I know what I have to do to achieve it. I just can’t get distracted,” Blue said. “I make sure not to let certain people influence me. I see people doing dumb stuff all the time and I try to learn from their mistakes. I don’t keep dummies in my circle.”

Coleman became a journeyman designer earlier this month and calls the We Energies apprenticeship program a blessing that he’s proud to pay forward.

He has a nephew he loves to spoil, recently bought his sister a car, is about to close on a duplex for himself, and spends his free time coaching football for his alma mater — all before the age of 25.

“I see myself in a lot of the kids I coach,” he said. “They tell me, ‘Coach, I’m going to work for We Energies with you one day.’”