(WNY News Now) – Springville students in electrical programs explore future career opportunities and the evolving energy sector.
Students and faculty from the Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician programs at the Careers in Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) P-Tech Academy in Springville, NY, recently visited the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to learn about the utility’s services, career opportunities in the electrical field and to tour the BPU power plant and an electric substation.
BPU Electricians Pat Shay and Jake Prince, Transmission and Distribution Supervisor Tye Flurie and Electrical Engineer Jarrett Devereaux spoke to students about their positions and the types of tasks and challenges they deal with on a daily basis. Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto detailed future clean energy jobs. Human Resources Director Tammy Anderson described BPU jobs, the utility’s application process and the skill level required for various positions.
BPU General Manager David L. Leathers said it is important to encourage students in electrical trade programs to investigate regional career opportunities.
“We were pleased to host the P-Tech students and to provide an important overview of the work we do and the community that we serve,” he said. “The students were able to connect with our staff to learn more about jobs in the public power sector.”
P-Tech students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, an associate’s degree through Alfred State and valuable industry certifications—all while gaining hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing. In addition to technical skills, the CAM P-Tech program strongly emphasizes professional development, workplace readiness, and career exploration.
P-tech instructor Jason Fitzner believes field trips like the one to the BPU are critical to help students understand the practical application of skills they are learning at the Academy.
“It is so important to have a business like the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities that we can partner with to show our students that the knowledge they are acquiring is put to practical use in the industry,” Fitzner said.
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