A Great Introduction
Rhode Island Energy is tapping into the pipeline of potential workers interested in exploring a career in energy.
Recently, it joined forces with the Community College of Rhode Island to introduce a free, hands-on program designed to spark interest in the essential utilities sector.
Introduction to Utilities, made possible through funding from Rhode Island Energy, is a seven-hour course created to provide participants with foundational knowledge of careers that help keep Rhode Island’s communities connected, fueled and resilient. Open to those who meet eligibility requirements, the program kicked off in May at the Woonsocket Education Center and requires no prior industry experience.
Initiatives like this are vital to building a pipeline of trained, local talent as utilities nationwide confront an aging workforce and evolving infrastructure needs. Rhode Island Energy President Greg Cornett emphasized the program’s long-term value, saying, “The future of Rhode Island lies in our youth, and we’re excited to take part in this effort to arm participants with skills and curriculum that they can then turn into a career. We look forward to seeing this program succeed as the students take an interest in a career in utilities, and we work together to shape the next generation of utility professionals.”
“This partnership underscores CCRI’s commitment to supporting workforce development across Rhode Island,” said CCRI Interim President Rosemary A. Costigan. “By working with Rhode Island Energy, we are creating opportunities for individuals to explore careers in utilities, a sector essential to the growth and stability of our communities.”
The program is part of the utility’s broader strategy to bolster education; promote inclusivity; develop the future workplace of the energy sector; and strengthen local communities. With infrastructure modernization top of mind nationwide, local workforce development partnerships like this one are crucial to ensuring reliable, safe service.
In addition to the Introduction to Utilities course, Rhode Island Energy and CCRI are extending their collaboration to a community literacy initiative. Students enrolled in CCRI’s Apprenticeship Readiness Multi-Craft Core Curriculum program will use materials donated by Rhode Island Energy to build six Little Free Libraries—three in April and three in May. The libraries, part of a global nonprofit effort to expand book access, will be installed in local neighborhoods identified in partnership with community organizations.