Workforce Summit Details Opportunities at Utility Companies

NEW HAVEN, CT - Students interested in careers in energy, water, and public utility management and operations got an inside look at two companies headquartered in the state at the Workforce Career and Innovation Summit November 13 at CT State Gateway.

Ted Novick, senior director of regulatory affairs at Avangrid in Orange, and Thomas Tyler, director of facilities at The Metropolitan District (MDC) in Hartford, spoke about the robust employment environment at utility companies, offering solid paths to advancement not always seen in other industries. Following the presentations, a panel discussion offered more insights into what working in the industry has been like for Michael Anderson, Jr., who graduated from Gateway in 2019 and is employed at Avangrid and current student Lucas MacFarlane, whose initial experience in field service caused him to realize he enjoys serving the community, making a difference, and now sees that the opportunities are “way bigger than I thought.”

“I’m always learning on the job,” said Anderson, who also completed his bachelor’s degree at SCSU, noting the complexities of the environment are always interesting. He said he enjoys being part of the move to clean energy and in an environment with job security, having skills that are transferable, and possessing the ability to meet many new people in his career. The students were joined by panelists Professor Wes Winterbottom, coordinator of the water management program at CT State Gateway, Dr. Carol Stewart, professor of management at Southern Connecticut State University, who teaches within the Energy and Utility Leadership program, and Sandra Mastropetre, CT State Gateway advisor.

Tyler said that there are many employees in his field that are eligible to retire or near retirement age, representing an opportunity for students who are beginning their careers. He noted that there are intrinsic rewards in helping to provide fundamental needs to the public since water is needed in everything people do and is tied to good health. MDC has started high school programs to offer teenagers the chance to work alongside professionals and entry-level trainee jobs have been created. At the college level, MDC hires interns in all aspects of utility, engineering, finance, human resources, operations, and other departments, and a co-op pilot program will begin next summer.

Avangrid, currently in 24 states, employs approximately 8,000 people. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. Through its power generation business, Avangrid owns and operates 80 generation facilities across the country, serving over 3.1 million customers.

Winterbottom said that serving others and protecting public health are important considerations for students pursuing utility careers. The success of these careers is evident in the current workforce, as noted by Tyler, who said the average employee is 50 and has been working for his company for over 15 years.

“People like what they do and stay,” Winterbottom said.