PECO recently held its Seventh Annual Infrastructure Academy, hosting more than 200 job-seekers at the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia for a two‑day immersive event designed to open doors into family‑sustaining careers in the energy sector.

The Infrastructure Academy offers participants a structured program that includes mock interviews, assessment demonstrations, and hands‑on exposure to PECO crew work, with emphasis on “craft” positions such as Aerial Line Mechanic, Underground Mechanic, Energy Technician, and others.

“This academy was created for individuals who’ve always wanted to join the energy industry or simply thought about it but never got the chance to,” said Keith Henderson, Manager of Workforce Development at PECO. “Eliminating barriers and creating opportunities inside and outside the company guides our investment in workforce development programs across the Greater Philadelphia region.”

The Infrastructure Academy has become a central part of PECO’s broader strategy to address economic inequities in its service area by offering job‑readiness and pathways into meaningful employment.

The academy’s curriculum and structure are aimed not only at exposing participants to the range of technical roles within the utility industry but also helping them prepare and qualify for those roles. This includes guidance on professional exam preparation, life‑skills training, and direct mentorship by PECO staff.

During the event, participants were able to explore various essential roles within infrastructure operations:

• Aerial Line Mechanic: Responsible for all overhead tasks including pole replacements, installing wire, and installing transformers on poles
• Underground Mechanic: Responsible for the installation and repair of all underground cables, transformers, and devices in manholes
• Distribution Gas Mechanic: Responsible for installation and maintenance of gas facilities, including leak detection and repair
• Transmission and Substations Testing Technician: Responsible for all relay and protection and control devices in PECO’s substations and units
• Transmission and Substations Maintenance-Technician: Responsible for the maintenance of substation and transmission equipment
• Overhead Transmissions Line Mechanic: Responsible for the maintenance of the transmission lines and towers
• Energy Technicians (ETs): Responsible for secondary voltage emergencies and gas emergencies within all of PECO’s service territories, including wire service installations, power quality service checks, and a strong focus on gas odor response

By giving participants a chance to try out assessment activities and observe demonstrations, PECO hopes individuals will better discern which crafts align with their skills and interests.

PECO tracks measurable success from these workforce development efforts. To date, more than 200 individuals have been placed into jobs through PECO’s programs, including more than 60 hired directly by the company.

These placements are facilitated not just by the academy but also by PECO’s other initiatives, like the Helper Pool Pre‑Apprenticeship Program, and strong collaboration with external workforce development agencies across the Greater Philadelphia region. A key community partner, Beyond Literacy, provides support for participants in test preparation and training related to professional exams often required in the trades.

After the academy, participants are encouraged to maintain connections, network, and stay apprised of opportunities within PECO and partner organizations.

Central to PECO’s rationale is a mission to enhance equity by expanding access to stable, meaningful work in communities where unemployment is disproportionately high and economic gaps persist. The company describes the academy as part of its social investment in underserved neighborhoods, aiming to eliminate barriers and create opportunities both within and outside PECO.

Learn more about how PECO demonstrates a continued commitment to workforce development and community engagement.