The first class of the new Verdugo Power Academy graduated today with Congressman Adam Schiff and academy organizers leading the celebration of a genuine local job creation success story.
The Verdugo Workforce Investment Board partnered with both GCC and GWP to obtain and channel federal stimulus funds that made the academy possible. The idea for such a program was brewing for awhile, as GWP’s Glenn Steiger noted “it is increasingly difficult to attract and develop highly qualified people” for utility work. College Trustee Tony Tartaglia elaborated, relating that utility managers were telling him it was difficult to find linemen, and when asked what the college could do, he called GCC Technical Division Chair Scott Rubke.
Rubke credited Ramon Abueg at GWP and Don Nakamoto of the VWIP for helping put together in 3 months, after federal stimulus funds became available, a program that was initially planned for phase in over three years. Also on a fast track, through Rubke’s efforts, was GCC Academic Senate approval of two new disciplines: Engineering Support, and Environmental Technology, both areas with prospective job growth.
Among GWP staff recruited as instructors was Randy States, a veteran in the business for 58 years and recently inducted into the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame. Rubke emphasized that the academy diplomas have real marquee value because States’ name is featured.
Graduates Joshua Schreck and Mary Harrington delivered heartfelt thanks and compelling stories (to be eligible for the academy, applicants have to prove they were laid off from their previous job and unemployed). The program isn’t just sending students out the door with their diplomas; they are booked over the next few weeks with resume-writing and job-interviewing workshops, check-ins at the Verdugo Jobs Center, and a Southern California Public Power Authority job fair.
This youtube video features some of the major players that got this incredibly useful and needed program up and running in a few short months.
Thanks for covering the graduation. I saw you come in, but I missed you at the end of the program. The Verdugo Power Academy is a good example of people working together to make something good happen.
Thanks,
Rich Roche
I arrived late and left early because of other commitments that day. My timing was pretty good (only wish I could have seen the actual presentations of graduates): I heard from those most directly involved in making this program happen, including you and fellow GCC Trustee Tony Tartaglia, Glenn Steiger, Scott Rubke, Mary Harrington and Joshua Schreck.
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