Ohio Edison and Kent State University at Trumbull to Offer Training Program for Future Utility Workers

Power Systems Institute Will Train Students to Work on Power Lines

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Nov 14, 2014, 01:00 ET

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is partnering with Kent State University at Trumbull to offer its award-winning program to train the next generation of utility line workers.

The Power Systems Institute is a two-year program that combines hands-on utility skills at an Ohio Edison training facility with technical coursework at Kent State Trumbull. Program graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on electrical engineering technology.

"The Power Systems Institute already has provided Ohio Edison with nearly 320 highly qualified employees who are working in the field today, using the training they received from this unique program to help keep the lights on for our customers," said Randall A. Frame, regional president of Ohio Edison. "We look forward to developing this training partnership with Kent State Trumbull because it offers a great opportunity for someone interested in a career in the utility industry."

"This program is an example of business and education coming together to address a workforce issue that ultimately will benefit the entire region," said Dr. Wanda Thomas, interim dean, Kent State Trumbull. "The Power Systems Institute will train some of FirstEnergy's future utility workers who will be needed to help keep power flowing to homes and businesses throughout northeast Ohio for years to come."

FirstEnergy originally introduced the Power Systems Institute in 2000 as a way to help replace retiring line workers. Programs were established at colleges throughout the company's six-state service area. With the economic downturn, in 2011 most of the Power Systems Institute programs were placed on hold because projected hiring needs did not support bringing in new students. As future manpower needs at FirstEnergy were re-evaluated, the decision was made to reinstate the Power Systems Institute program, targeting a fall of 2015 enrollment class.

Program openings are limited, and applicants will be assessed through a competitive, multi-step process. An orientation program for prospective candidates will take place Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kent State Trumbull's Classroom Building auditorium, 4314 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren, Ohio, 44483. More information is available at www.firstenergycorp.com/psi or by calling 800-829-6801.

Ohio Edison serves more than 1 million customers across 36 Ohio counties. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com, and follow Ohio Edison on Twitter @OhioEdison.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

About Kent State University at Trumbull
A part of the Trumbull County community for the past six decades, Kent State University at Trumbull offers students the opportunity to earn associate and bachelor's degrees in over two dozen different disciplines, or to begin coursework in any of the over 280 academic programs offered by Kent State. As the home to almost 3,000 students, Kent State Trumbull also offers additional opportunities via the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center, in addition to housing one of the state's premier police academies. For more information, please visit www.kent.edu/trumbull or call 330-847-0571.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.