Contact: NOVEC Communications, 1-703-335-0500, communications@novec.com
MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is teaming up with others in the energy industry to attract more women, particularly those who may be interested in field work. The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) will host two free, one-day energy career events in October for high school girls and young women who may be interested in working on a line crew, in a substation, with advanced metering technology, or as a fiber broadband technician.
Girl Power will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3 in Salisbury, Maryland and on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Palmyra, Virginia. Instructors will lead students through hands-on activities in the classroom and on simulated job sites.
Attendees will learn about safety on the job, how to climb a utility pole, operate a bucket truck, and fly a drone. They also will meet with industry professionals to review their goals, discuss interviewing best practices and develop a personal “elevator speech.” New this year will be meetings with industry accounting and finance professionals.
Girls who are still in school will have to take the day off, but schools have often allowed the day to count as a career exploration day for attendance purposes. The day’s roster is limited to 90 participants. Hard hats and other necessary safety equipment will be provided; students are asked to wear long sleeves and hiking or work boots.
The minimum age for participants is about 15, but younger students may also be considered. High school graduates are welcome as well. The only prerequisite is an interest in learning about a career in the electric utility industry.
The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. To sign up, go to: www.vmdaec.com/girl-power-camp. The deadline to register for the Oct. 3 event is Sept. 17. Register for the Oct. 30 event by Oct. 9. Send questions to powercamp@vmdaec.com.
