Fall in Love with an Electric Cooperative Career

Thomas W. Howard, CEO/General Manager

Most schools are back in session this month. For some parents, it may mean receiving a text of ‘I missed the bus.’ or ‘Can you bring me the gym shorts I forgot?’ as younger students adjust to new routines. Older students will be thinking about the next steps on their journey to adulthood.

If a student you know is undecided on their future career path, here’s something you could suggest: How about considering an electric cooperative career?

Co-ops offer diverse career paths
Building awareness of the vast number of careers in energy is a message being shared across the country through electric cooperative youth programs, school visits and other engagement opportunities. There was a time in my career when electric cooperatives were rarely hiring. As organizations that are great places to work in rural communities and within an industry that is constantly evolving, employees frequently stay for their entire career. However, those long-term employees are approaching retirement, and with many new opportunities available today in the job market, co-ops are competing to hire and retain the best and brightest candidates.

The job market may look a little different than in previous years, but with a little extra effort and creativity, the electric cooperative family continues to find successful applicants. Electric co-ops provide gratifying careers and stability, because there will always be a need for electricity. They are community-focused and member-owned with competitive benefits and wages in a dynamic and exciting industry. A network of more than 900 electric co-ops serve members across the U.S., meaning there are abundant opportunities to live in a state close to home or to explore a new region of the country. Co-ops employ professionals including those in accounting, engineering, communications, human resources, technology, software, mapping, safety, mechanics, line work and more.                              

For more information about electric cooperative careers, visit https://careers.electric.coop/.                  

A successful season for summer interns
This summer at Callaway Electric, we had the pleasure of hiring seven student interns. Five are enrolled in the electrical distribution systems program with State Technical College of Missouri in Linn. One is a local student at Fulton High School, Aaron Corey, and one is a South Callaway graduate, pursing a degree at Westminster, Jill Koetting. The State Tech students, Thomas Stancy, Garrett Mason, Cody Suthoff, Riley Pipes and Josh Selby, spent the summer learning from and assisting on our line crews. Corey has helped with grounds maintenance, and Koetting assists our member service team in the front office.

We appreciate the opportunity to have interns on staff and this year was unique, with more line crew interns than usual. We are thankful for State Tech and the outstanding program they offer. The internship program is one creative way we can work to find successful future applicants. We benefit by previewing potential future hires. Working with interns throughout the summer gives us a unique opportunity to see their attitude and work ethic, which can pay dividends when looking to fill positions down the road. And, the students gain valuable hands-on experience while becoming familiar with the cooperative business model.             

Back-to-school signals harvest is near
Not only is school back in session, but also farmers will soon be spending long days in the fields for harvest. As always, please be sure to review power line locations and other potential electrical hazards with all who are helping with these tasks. Sprayer tips, tall equipment, dump trucks, augers and other extensions should be used carefully around any power poles and lines.

Best of luck to our students and families with the new school year and to the farmers for a bountiful and safe harvest season.