TRUMBULL — Energy provider United Illuminating (UI) has developed a partnership with Trumbull High School students this year as part of a way to teach them the in’s and out’s of electrical generation, including green energy.
A subsidiary of Avangrid, UI introduced students in April to a wide range of career opportunities in the energy sector. The utility hosted two events aimed at inspiring the next generation of professionals to help meet Connecticut’s growing energy needs. The events highlighted career pathways within UI’s Conservation and Load Management (CLM) team, Delivery Programs and Products team, and Electric Operations team. Those teams are responsible for customer energy efficiency programs and for maintaining and modernizing the state’s electric infrastructure.
“At United Illuminating, we’re committed to creating opportunities that connect local students with meaningful careers in the energy sector,” said Frank Reynolds, UI president and CEO. “From technical and field roles to administrative and customer-facing positions, every career at UI plays a critical role in shaping the future of energy right here in Connecticut.”
On Thursday, March 27, Trumbull High School students visited UI’s Trumbull Training Yard. During the visit, UI’s Electric Operations team provided an overview of the electric distribution system and the essential work involved in maintaining the safety and reliability of the local grid.
Students toured both overhead and underground departments, explored a bucket truck, and observed equipment used by line workers. They also watched a pole-climbing demonstration and learned about the tools, safety gear, and training required for roles in field operations.
The event was organized in collaboration with Trumbull High School and the Trumbull Business and Education Initiative (BEI).
“We’re grateful to UI for giving our students the opportunity to visit their electric operations training facility and learn firsthand about the many career paths available in the energy sector,” said Nick Daddona, a Trumbull High School teacher. “This experience allowed students to explore both frontline and behind-the-scenes roles. It opened their eyes to the career opportunities available right here in our community and gave them valuable insight to make informed decisions about their futures with greater confidence.”
A UI team in the field gives students from Trumbull High School a behind-the-scenes look at the utility’s work at the Trumbull Training Yard.
On Tuesday, April 1, UI’s CLM team and Delivery Programs and Products team visited students enrolled in the Sustainable STEM after-school program, coordinated by the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center. This program introduces students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with an emphasis on sustainability. UI’s team presented the Energize CT Green STEP program, a statewide workforce development initiative that helps students explore careers in energy efficiency and green building. Students learned about upcoming workshops, certification programs, and paid training opportunities, while also hearing firsthand from UI and Avangrid professionals about their career paths in the energy industry.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Trumbull High School and the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center to introduce students to careers in sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Marissa Westbrook, senior manager of CLM at UI, Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG). “These fields offer students the chance to combine their passion for science and technology with making a real impact in their communities. We look forward to continuing to engage students across our service area.”
These two events are part of UI’s broader commitment to promoting careers in energy and strengthening the skilled trades pipeline. In addition to its partnership with Trumbull High School, UI’s Electric Operations team has conducted similar outreach at technical high schools across the region —Platt Tech, Bullard-Havens, Eli Whitney, and Emmett O’Brien. During these visits, the team brings equipment and tools to campus, offering hands-on demonstrations and engaging directly with students to answer questions about careers in electric utility operations.
“We always enjoy giving students the opportunity to see what it takes to keep their communities powered,” said Christine Pariseau, senior manager of Regional Operations at UI. “As demand grows for skilled utility workers, it’s important that we show students the many opportunities they have right after high school to build a career in the trades — and make a difference in the communities they call home.”
