PECO Energy Company kicks off its sixth annual Infrastructure Academy this week with three days of events.
Nearly 200 job seekers are expected to attend, as PECO continues its mission to enhance the employability of those who reside in the local communities that PECO serves, with particular emphasis on the underserved.
Since its inception, PECO’s Infrastructure Academy has resulted in 55 full-time job placements that are mainly in electric and gas operations.
Other employers that do similar utility work, such as Philadelphia Gas Works and the Philadelphia Water Department, also table the event alongside PECO and PA CareerLink to raise awareness of the opportunities the city has to offer.
Carniesha Kwashie, senior manager of PECO’s Workforce Development program, says the three-day academy is designed to be a career awareness and exposure initiative overall.
“We have various individuals from our company give the public an overview of what it takes to be aware of career opportunities at PECO, what our hiring process looks like, the interview format we use, and then connecting directly with people from the company who represent numerous craft positions,” Kwashie said.
Out of the seven target sectors in the City of Philadelphia, three small sectors, which include construction and infrastructure, only make up 10% of all jobs.
That is why Kwashie believes infrastructure opportunities, in relation to utilities and telecommunications, need to take the necessary steps now in order to grow a competitive workforce for the future.
“The best way to do that is to make sure current and future opportunities are being equitably distributed,” she added. “We want for people that we serve to take part in understanding not just what it takes, but hopefully join the workforce that keeps the lights on and the gas flowing.”
Past participant Porsha Hoggard, who actively works in the field as part of PECO’s Helper Pool Program, is one example of these efforts reaching workforce talent in the city.
She says her experience attending last year’s Infrastructure Academy event was an amazing way to find her career path being newly introduced to the field.
“You got to network with executives and other people employed with PECO. On Day 2 and Day 3, we had the opportunity to walk over to the armory building, which consisted of various hands-on simulations for departments such as gas and aerial lines,” said Hoggard. “Some spoke on transmissions and substations and the process of going up in a bucket lift.”
Hoggard says she was introduced to this field through this event in October 2023 after navigating PECO’s career site.
She encourages others to explore their options, as programs like the Infrastructure Academy exist to help connect those faced with similar paths.
As for Kwashie, this program is just one of many reminders she shares that motivates her to continue serving her community.
“I’m so happy that we do this as a corporate citizen. It’s so meaningful to serve our customers in this way. It’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that you are taking part in helping people meet their basic needs,” said Kwashie.
PECO’s Infrastructure Academy events will take place Oct. 15-17 at the PECO Main Office Building, 2301 Market Street, and 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd Street. To learn more about PECO opportunities, visit PECO.com/careers.
