Repairing power lines. Improving a home’s energy efficiency. And even flying drones. These are just some of the skills high schoolers learned about at APCo while participating in this year’s West Virginia Ready Summer Internship Program. 

Students hailed from nearly a dozen different high schools, including Nitro, Cabell-Midland, South Charleston and Chapmanville Regional. 

These paid internships were made possible by the West Virginia Education Alliance. Founded in 1983, this vital nonprofit was started by business executives who, like APCo, saw the importance of supporting public school students. 

APCo’s twelve interns were sorted into two categories: lineworker interns and hybrid interns. Lineworkers weren’t allowed to touch electrified equipment, but they learned how to dig holes, assemble hardware and—most importantly–ensure everyone was drinking enough water. These interns worked forty hours weekly, and half are considering becoming a lineworker in the future. 

Hybrid interns worked two days a week, and  learned about project management, company culture and public speaking. APCo Project Coordinator Amanda McClellan was responsible for coordinating the internships and said  students enjoying the program is the reason why she loves what she does. 

“I love that we have such a diverse workforce of people with varying educational backgrounds,”  McClellan said.  “Students need to see that there is a place for everyone. We all have different skills. Some have college degrees, and some do not. But it takes all different kinds of backgrounds to make AEP what it is.  I also think that it is good for them to experience a positive work culture, where people are polite, respectful and where your coworkers genuinely care.”

APCo powers possibilities every day–from keeping the lights on in your home to nurturing curious young people who will lead tomorrow’s workforce.