KEEP Staff (KS): How long have you been president of AAE?
Torrance Kramer (TK): I have been the president and owner of AAE for six years.

KS: How did you learn about this opportunity? What inspired you to pursue this line of work?
TK: I took classes that seemed to fit me and got a two-year liberal sciences degree. I went to MREA’s (Midwest Renewable Energy Association) energy fair, it was like a light went off for me and I realized this is what I want to do. I moved to the state of Oregon and started a two-year energy management program, and I was trained formally to do this type of work. After going through a few corporate careers and having my own successful consulting firm, I was able to take the capital from that business to buy AAE from a retiring owner. It was a natural fit for me because AAE originated in the Waupaca area where I am from.

KS: Tell me a little about AAE. How many employees and roles?
TK: When I purchased AAE, we had a staff of four people and now after six years we have a staff of fifteen people. We have heavily migrated the business to the Madison area, while still heavily working in the Fox Valley and Waupaca areas, and we are currently expanding AAE commercially across the state. AAE is unique in the sense we are not just a traditional home performance company. Our staff includes energy auditors, salespeople, variety of field staff with differing levels of experience in construction and trade, office, and purchasing staff. Field staff duties includes installing airtight materials (caulks, foams, sealants). In order to establish this type of work that needs to be done in the field, we have energy auditors that will run diagnostics (running the blower door and utilizing the infrared camera) as well as running estimations to determine the cost of the work. We do everything from the development to the final review. AAE has a couple tracks including home performance and energy audits on large commercial structures (churches, schools, clinics, grocery stores, farms) to see if they can modify equipment in the building to make it energy efficient.

KS: What is your schedule like and what do you do as the president?
TK:  I act in an owner capacity, president/general manager capacity but I am also an energy auditor and estimator, blower door tester, and a report writer. I am a workaholic, so I am working upwards to 60 hrs/wk. There is no distinct schedule for me day to day. But some things I am doing throughout the week includes handling calls with inspectors, reviewing job costs to see if the work we are doing is cost effective, checking in with teams, writing commercial reports and assisting in job site walkthroughs, utilizing blower doors, and handling employee reviews. My job is not monogamous, we are constantly finding unique and different ways to make buildings more energy efficient.

KS: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
TK: I went to a high school in Weyauwega, WI and predominately lived in the Waupaca area.

KS: Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
TK: I have an associate’s degree in Liberal Sciences from Madison Area Technical College, and I have an associate’s degree in Energy Management from Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon.

KS: Were there any classes you took or skills that you obtained from school that helped you get this position?
TK: The degree program I took in Oregon was a direct correlation with the work I do. Many individuals come from non-related programs when working in energy efficient fields and my program was unique with having specialization in commercial and residential energy efficiency. I also had an internship doing energy audits which helped me along the way.

KS: Did you see yourself working in an energy-related field when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
TK: Ever since kindergarten, I have wanted to be in architecture. I was undirected in high school and I got into truck driving. I wanted to find a program fast that would make me money which I do not recommend. I ended up feeling unfilled with my work until I found my spark with energy efficiency.

KS: What is your favorite part of the position?
TK: I enjoy the training aspect because I am always wanting to share and grow this industry. But I am also vicariously living through my construction team as I enjoy evaluating a building to see how we can make a building more energy efficient.

KS: What is your least favorite part?
TK: The HR aspect of the business is a real challenge. I was trained in energy efficiency, so I did not have the experience handling the personal aspects of human resources that I have to deal with today.

KS: What is the most challenging part?
TK:  The people part of the business but that is more akin to me. For struggles with our field staff, building science can be difficult. Although, training can be my favorite, it can also be the challenging part when individuals are not open-minded about aspects of the job. Another challenge is people’s perspectives on contractors and not having the trust in the work you are doing.

KS: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
TK: I am looking to be more attentive to other parts of my business and to become more involved in committees. I am also looking at the construction aspect of my business to start operating more self-sufficiently so I can have the time to focus on new things.

KS: What do you think is the most important thing to do/learn in high school?
TK: Looking back at my life, I got peer pressured by my coach to get into football. It was not a driver for me when in all reality I should have been in band because I was more musically oriented. Another aspect is I took a lot of art classes as I was uncomfortable with some people I knew in shop class, so I did not take any shop classes. I am an owner of a construction business without taking a shop class in high school. Long story is, follow your heart and listen to that rather than what someone else pushes you to do.

KS: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be?
TK: Try a lot of different stuff. Take those classes that your heart desires and get in those groups. I do a lot of public speaking with my job so I would not be comfortable in that role without taking classes like theatre. One of my colleagues says, “You can’t get the dough without doing the show”.

KEEP Staff (KS): How long have you been a Transmission Planning Engineer with ATC?
Anna Torgerson (AT): I have been a Transmission Planning Engineer for 2 years with ATC. I was hired straight out of college and had 3 summer internships with various departments within ATC.

KS: How did you learn about this opportunity? What inspired you to pursue this line of work?
AT:Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to work in the STEM (science technology engineering mathematics) field. I specifically chose electrical engineering because my dad is an electrical engineer in transmission planning.

KS: How many Transmission Planning Engineers are there within ATC?
AT: We have 34 planning engineers in 4 different groups: Economic Planning, Special Studies, Interconnection Planning, and Zone Planning. Economic Planning simulates the potential monetary benefit within the electrical market and compares that benefit to the cost of a project. If the project cost is lower than the benefit to customers, then it would be considered for construction. Special Studies works on a little bit of everything from interconnections to generator dynamic studies to regulatory functions. Interconnection Planning looks at the needs of new generator requests to the system and whether a transmission project is required. Zone Planning focuses on new load request projects for a customer area.

KS: What is your schedule like and what do you do as the Transmission Planning Engineer?
AT: I work 40 hours a week, Monday thru Friday only. I don’t have to work on weekends or on-call at all.

KS: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
AT: I grew up in La Crosse, Wis. and went to Central High School.

KS: Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
AT: I majored in Electrical Engineering with two emphasis in Power and Controls, also with a minor in Mathematics from UW-Platteville.

KS: Were there any classes you took or skills that you obtained from school that helped you get this position?
AT: In high school I took as many math and physics classes that I could. Taking Calculus I in high school really helped me, because any job in engineering is based on mathematics. Having a firm foundation in math really furthered my college experience.

KS: Did you see yourself working in an energy-related field when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
AT: I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in high school and was encouraged to become a nurse, but I ultimately chose a major that better suited my skill set and interests. I never thought I would become a Transmission Planning Engineer.

KS: What is your favorite part of the position?
AT: My favorite part of Transmission Planning is brainstorming new ideas and bouncing them off other people. We are always willing to discuss topics and teach each other new skills.

KS: What is your least favorite part?
AT: It seems like we are always limited on time to get projects and tasks completed.

KS: What is the most challenging part?
AT: The most challenging part is keeping up with all the changes and to the electrical grid and how we can better estimate those changes.

KS: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
AT: I will continue to work for ATC, hopefully in the same department.

KS: What do you think is the most important thing to do/learn in high school?
AT: High school is about learning who you are and what you are good at. Pursue classes and opportunities that you enjoy that align with a potential major and ultimately career path in the future.

KS: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be?
AT: Learn about your own interests and strengths in various topics/areas and don’t focus on what others are doing. Then, work on those strengths, pursue opportunities that enhance those skills and align that with a college major. Choose a career path that brings you joy, and don’t be afraid to branch out.

KEEP Staff (KS): How long have you been a System Control Operator with ATC?
Amy Wilke (AW): I started with ATC as an SCO in January this year (2019). I am currently in the training program which means I sit with another operator on shift and they help guide my decisions and learning. I expect to complete my final evaluation around February 2020.

KS: How did you learn about this opportunity? What inspired you to pursue this line of work?
AW: When I graduated from college, I had plans to go back to school to get my master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. I got a job with a municipal utility in Illinois as an Engineering Technician in order to gain residency (and qualify for in-state tuition). That was my introduction to the electric utility industry, and I was intrigued pretty quickly. From there, I became a distribution operator for a Wisconsin utility. I stayed in that role for a little over 5 years before moving on to the transmission System Control Operator role here at ATC. I never wound up going back to school.

KS: How many System Control Operators are there within ATC?
AW: Between the two control centers there are 28 SCOs and 8 Operators in Training. I am assigned to the Pewaukee location.

KS: What is your schedule like and what do you do as a System Control Operator?
AW: We maintain 24/7 coverage and work a rotating schedule of 12-hour shifts and 8-hour training days. This includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays. It averages out to 40 hours per week. As a System Control Operator my main responsibility is maintaining reliability of the bulk electric system by monitoring the status of the transmission system (the larger, higher voltage towers in the grid). What this means is I watch voltages and line loading to make sure that our system is meeting demand and remaining stable. I also am responsible for awareness of what work is going on within the system and making sure our crews are able to work safely. All of us SCOs work together in a team.

KS: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
AW: I went to Greenfield High School in Greenfield, Wis.

KS: Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
AW: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University.

KS: Were there any classes you took or skills that you obtained from school that helped you get this position?
AW: Though my EE degree was focused on electronics, it still gave me a good understanding of how electricity works since classes covered DC and AC voltage applications. Some of the more specific classes I can think of are circuit theory, electromagnetic fields, electronic devices, analog electronics, and of course all the hands-on laboratory exercises associated with those classes.

KS: Did you see yourself working in an energy-related field when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
AW: I did not! Even with both parents working at a utility (telephone), I was oblivious to the options out there. I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career; there was a time when I thought I would be a marine biologist. I have always enjoyed math and science, though, so went into engineering school undecided. The electrical classes stuck out to me most so that was the route I chose to pursue.

KS: What is your favorite part of the position?
AW: There is something exciting about energizing a new 345kV transmission line for the first time with a few mouse clicks. A lot of work goes in to getting to that point and it doesn’t happen very often. Day to day I’d say my favorite part is interacting with all our field personnel around the state. They are our eyes and ears and I learn a lot from them.

KS: What is your least favorite part?
AW: The 12-hour night shifts – I just get through them as best I can.

KS: What is the most challenging part?
It can be a bit of a balancing act when there’s multiple crews working in different areas at the same time and with everything else we are responsible for I’m constantly learning.

KS: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
AW: I’m still keen on environmental engineering practices and sustainability (that’s one of the things that drew me to ATC – check out their Solo-Driver™ project and their GrowSmart Pollinator Program!) so I hope to someday transition to a role with ATC that would better support that interest as well.

KS: What do you think is the most important thing to do/learn in high school?
AW: This is a tough question to answer because what I think is important may not be that important to someone else (except math, that follows you the rest of your life $$$). One thing I wish I would have learned how to do better while in high school is how to handle uncomfortable situations. It’s apparent in everything and it will never go away.

KS: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be?
AW: If something sounds interesting to you – try it! If it turns out you don’t like it, now you know. I took a construction class in high school that taught the basics of building a house and had a blast. Don’t be afraid to take a gap year before college if you need time to find something that interests you. Tech schools and trades are great options. Talk to family members and other trusted adults and find out what they do. Ask questions, you may be surprised what you find out.

Interview with Hasan AbuLughod, a Gas Major Projects Engineer with We Energies 

Born and raised in Saukville, Wis., Hasan was homeschooled through high school, received his Associates degree from UW-Washington County and a BS in Civil Engineering with a water resources emphasis from UW-Milwaukee. He thought he'd find himself in the health field and would go to school to become a chiropractor because of his interest in the chiropractic philosophy of preventive care and his love of working with people. However, because of the variety of classes he took in high school, having part-time jobs, going on field trips, and shadowing people in their jobs, he constantly imagined himself fitting into all the different careers he was exposed to and found himself in the energy industry.

Hasan has been in this position for five years. It all started with a career fair he attended at his university which prompted him to apply for an engineering co-op position with We Energies as it offered a unique experience based on the nature of the work involved. A typical day for Hasan starts at 7 a.m. and includes the following activities and responsibilities:

•             Review and approve the design of natural gas pipe mains, services and related distribution facilities

•             Work with state, county and municipal officials to ensure timely construction

•             Identify and create non-stock material orders based on project requirements

•             Serve as a technical resource for field personnel and designers

His favorite part of the position is being involved with a large project from its inception to completion and realizing the amount of work that goes into making it successful. The most challenging part is the constant struggle to keep up with the workload and finding efficient ways to get work done well. In the next 5-10 years, Hasan plans to improve his skillset by continuing his education, on and off the job. He plans to use his experience and skills acquired over the years to manage teams to work efficiently and effectively wherever he ends up.

According to Hasan, the most important thing to do in high school is to really understand the basics of the subjects you're studying, even if you don’t see yourself moving in that direction beyond high school or care too deeply about the topic. The more basic knowledge about the world and how it works you can soak up early in your life, the more confident you will feel once you are out in the world making big life decisions.

Hasan's words of wisdom for current high school students:

"I too, started college having no idea what I wanted to do. Firstly, I would say don’t feel too pressured by that uncertainty as long as you are constantly evaluating where you see yourself fitting in the world of work.  Secondly, I would say keep your mind open to all the opportunities around you. Especially in college, get in contact with people in different professions and ask them about what it is that they do. Shadow people in careers you’ve thought about pursuing but haven’t the slightest clue about. You are doing your potential future self a disservice if you don’t at least look into these opportunities early to see whether or not you want to pursue a particular career path. Lastly, when it comes to your education remember to push yourself just beyond where you think your limit is because that extra amount of effort will be what propels you to the next level."

Thanks Hasan, for providing your story!

Interview with Amanda Dagens, Intermediate Operations Engineer, American Transmission Company (ATC)

When Kevin was in high school, he didn't see himself pursuing an energy-related career since he had no idea what he wanted to do. He knew he didn't want a career that he wouldn't like so he waited and kept looking and found himself in the EPD program. After graduation in March, he plans to join an energy company as an apprentice lineman where he can practice his skills and further his education. His words of wisdom for the students is to stay focused and pursue a career that you will love doing.

Meet Tara Holm and Kevin Michetti, students at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire who are both pursuing careers in the Electrical Power Distribution field.

Tara has had two previous careers, one in family childcare and one in the airline industry, before deciding to pursue a career in the energy industry. Both careers were stepping stones to where she is now and both provided skill development that helped her become the professional she is today such as time management, budgeting, working with a wide-range of personalities, and prioritization of tasks and responsibilities. Tara's least favorite part of the training she is obtaining from CVTC is the carrying of her tool bag and belt full of tools to the pole field; however she is excited to earn a degree that not many can say they have and she can't wait to see the different possibilities this degree offers. Tara offers this piece of advice for high school students: the #1 most influential key to your high school years are the friends you hang out with. If you hang out with friends that settle and don't expect much from themselves, neither will you. Surround yourself with positive friends that see the world as a positive place to be, and you will find opportunities to create a better future. Expect great things from yourself.

Abigail Wild, Electric Distribution Engineering Intern at Xcel Energy

This month, our spotlight is on Abigail Wild, Electric Distribution Engineering Intern at Xcel Energy. Abigail was the recipient of a prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power and Energy Scholarship (IEEE PES) John W Etsey Outstanding Award for Region 4, which consists of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin. She was one of seven recipients across the country! We hope your students are inspired by what she has to say about her experiences as a young professional in the energy field.

KEEP Staff (KS): How long have you been in an Intern with Xcel Energy?

Abigail Wild (AW): I began working for Xcel the summer of 2014. I’ve interned here for three summers and almost three years.

KS: How did you learn about this opportunity? What inspired you to apply?
AW: My dad has been a lineman at Xcel for over 25 years. In high school, he encouraged me to shadow some of the engineers at Xcel. After I completed my first year at college my dad informed me of an internship opportunity so I applied. I was uncertain about my career path at the time, and an internship seemed like a great opportunity to confirm whether or not I was on the right path. I was VERY glad I applied for the position because through my internship I was able to find my calling and passion for power engineering!

KS: Are you the only Electric Distribution Engineering Intern?
AW: I am not the only Electric Distribution Engineering intern- there are lots of engineering groups that fall under Electric Distribution Engineering; however, I am the only WI Distribution Planning and Strategy Engineering Intern.

KS: What is your schedule like and what do you do as the Electric Distribution Engineering Intern?
AW: I have had a unique internship because I was able to do projects for different groups. Since I began my internship freshman year of college, each summer I was able to transition to a different group of engineering- System Planning and Strategy, Distribution Area Engineering, and Substation field engineering. I work full time in the summer and part time in the school year. I am not always at my desk- there are plenty of opportunities for me to get out in the field and talk with other groups.

KS: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
AW: I went to high school at McDonell Central Catholic High School in Chippewa Falls WI.

KS: Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
AW: I am currently attending the University of St. Thomas in MN and plan on graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Minor in Physics, and Emphasis in Power in May 2017.

KS: Were there any classes you took or skills that you obtained from school that helped you get this position?
AW: Since I challenged myself in high school and had enough credit coming into college (through AP classes), my advisor encouraged me to take upper level engineering courses my freshman year which helped me get my internship so early in my career. I also was able to take graduate level courses starting sophomore year- such as Power Electronics and Power Systems. This was really beneficial because now, during my senior year, I can focus on working and finding a job rather than stress about the challenging classes normal seniors are taking at this time.

KS: Did you see yourself working in a utility/energy company when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
AW: My dad worked as a lineman for my entire life, but I honestly never pictured myself as an engineer at a utility until after I began my internship. Initially, I was torn between computer science and electrical engineering. I ended up choosing electrical engineering because I once I started taking the classes and working at my internship I realized my strengths and passions really aligned with electrical engineering rather than computer science.

KS: What is your favorite part of the position?
AW: Energy is essential to society. The work I do impacts everyone, so it is really fun coming up with cost-effective solutions that bring reliable power to people.  

KS: What is your least favorite part?
AW: My least favorite part is when I’m working intensely on a project and I forget to get up from my chair and go talk to people. Conversations are so essential to any career and the discussions you have with your fellow employees will only benefit you and the project you are working.

KS: What is the most challenging part?
AW: There is always something new to learn- which excites and challenges me. I never will get bored because there is always going to be a project, webinar, conference, or new technology to learn from.

KS: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
AW: In 5-10 years I see myself working within the energy industry with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering & Professional Engineering License. Hopefully I’ll be mentoring new interns fresh out of high school!

KS: What do you think is the most important thing to do/learn in high school?
AW: Challenge yourself. If you are bored or feel like the stuff you are doing in high school is pointless, try to find ways to bring purpose to the work you are doing by challenging yourself. For example, the school I attended didn’t offer any computer science classes so I took an independent AP Computer Science and bought “programming for dummies” books in order to teach myself how to code. Aside from classes, challenge yourself in the extracurricular activities you participate in. School is important, but the extracurricular activities you participate in really shape who you are as a person and differentiate yourself from others. Along with electrical engineering, I am extremely passionate about music. In high school, I participated in choir, band, musical theater, and took voice and instrument lessons. Because I challenged myself musically in high school I was able to join one of the top choirs at the University of St. Thomas, I can volunteer as an accompanist or cantor at my church, and I have awesome presentation skills because I don’t get as nervous speaking in front of a large audience.

KS: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be?
AW: 1) Talk to people. If you think you are even slightly interested in a career path, reach out to someone who has already taken that career path and ask them questions about what they like/don’t like about their job. 2) Find an internship right away. Some companies even offer internships to high school students. An internship will allow you to work with people and projects that will tell you what you like (or don’t like) about a job. 3) If you are leaning towards a certain major, start taking applicable classes right away. Some students aren’t getting into their field of study courses until junior year- avoid that if possible. I was unsure going into college if I wanted to major in computer science or electrical engineering. I talked to my advisor and he encouraged me to take several classes that would expose me to both areas so I could make a better decision earlier on in my college career. 

Meet Katy Vike, writer/editor at WPPI Energy in Sun Prairie, Wis. Katy is pretty new to the energy industry and has only been in this position for about eight months.

Prior to that, she worked as a marketer for a software company, and prior to that worked in communications at a non-profit organization.

We interviewed Katy to understand how she landed a career as a writer/editor in an energy company and why it's so vital for energy companies to employ writers and editors.

KEEP Staff: What do you do on a daily basis as a writer/editor?
Katy Vike: I write articles, help our member utilities write press releases, edit content from member utilities and other WPPI Energy departments for grammar and messaging, coordinate production of reports, occasionally do some layout and graphic design work, and work with the Communications Director to ensure that WPPI Energy's communications and public relations efforts are consistent and professional.

KS: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
KV: I'm from Stoughton, Wisconsin, and I went to Stoughton High School.

KS: Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
KV: I attended college at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and majored in English.

KS: Were there any classes you took or skills that you obtained from school that helped you get this position?
KV: I had a couple of English teachers in high school who inspired me to pursue my love of writing and also introduced me and my classmates to some great literature. Later on in college, I was on the staff of the school paper and did several journalism internships, which helped me develop some of the practical skills needed to find, structure, and write stories.

KS: Did you see yourself working in a utility/energy company when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
KV: No, I don't think I would have ever imagined it! I love music and thought for a time I would be a musician. Otherwise, I thought I would be a journalist or book editor. 

KS: What is your favorite part of the job (so far)?
KV: My favorite part of the job has been traveling to our member communities and meeting the local utility employees. These people are some of the hardest working and humblest people I've ever met. They have great stories to tell, and I enjoy helping them share those stories.

KS: What is your least favorite part? 
KV: The job requires a lot of concentration and sitting. I get antsy occasionally.

KS:  What is the most challenging part of the job?
KV: Since we support 51 member utilities, I never know when I'll get requests for press releases and other projects. When requests come in, they're usually for smaller projects with a shorter deadline. At the same time, though, I have to make sure I'm following a tight editorial schedule in order to get everything done for the larger publications WPPI Energy puts out.

KS: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
KV: Honestly, I don't know. There have been so many things that have happened in the last 5-10 years that I never saw coming, and that will probably be the case for the next 5-10. Life is funny that way.

KS: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be?
KV: Don't stress out too much about it. There's no set deadline for figuring this stuff out, and honestly the older you get the more you realize that everyone feels like they don't have it together in one way or another.

Parting Words: Also, remember that your job is only a part of who you are as a person. It doesn't define you. You'll probably have several in your lifetime. Be kind, explore your interests, and stay true to your principles. That will help you be happy no matter what your job title is. 

Spotlight: Kongmeng Soung

To acknowledge Careers in Energy Week (Oct. 17-21), we interviewed Alliant Energy Line Technician, Kongmeng Soung, from Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This is a career that many people first think of when they think of energy. Line technicians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical poles and transmission towers. Those interested in math and engineering would love here .


Learn how Soung became interested in a career in the energy field, what his favorite and most challenging aspects of the work is, and what advice he has for students who have no idea what they want to do after high school.


• KEEP Staff: Why did you become a lineman? Did someone introduce you to this line of work?
  Soung: I actually was not introduce to line work. Right after high school I began working as a concrete flat worker. After eight years of that I decided to jump back into school to pursue a different career.


• KEEP Staff: How long have you been a lineman?
  Soung: It will be eight years with Alliant Energy coming up here in November 2016.
  
  
• KEEP Staff: Where did you go to high school/what city are you from?
  Soung: I'm from Green Bay, Wisconsin and attended high school at Green Bay East.



• KEEP Staff: Where did you get your training to become a line technician?
  Soung: I took a nine month course at NWTC in Green Bay. From there on I was hired with Alliant Energy and went through a four year apprenticeship.

• KEEP Staff: Did you see yourself in this line of work when you were in high school? If not, what did you think you would do for a career and why?
  Soung: I did not, just for the reason that I really didn't know about these type of careers. In high school and just growing up we were always taught to pursue a four year and up college degree (which if you can, do it). I probably would've stayed as a flat worker laying concrete had it not been for my brother who works at the tech college. He mentioned to me that there was a course, Electric Power Distribution, at NWTC that I should check out since I enjoyed working outside. I'm glad I did and now I have a career that I enjoy very much!

• KEEP Staff: What is your favorite part about the job?
  Soung: I do like that I get to travel around Wisconsin. Yes Wisconsin! (Believe it or not Wisconsin is a pretty sweet state!)

• KEEP Staff: What is your least favorite part?
  Soung: Least favorite? I can't say anything bad at all. I mean we do work some crazy hours sometimes with storms and all, but that all comes with the job and it's not bad at all. It actually makes it more interesting!

• KEEP Staff: What is the most challenging part of the job? Soung: Keeping everyone safe. We work with high voltages. You have to watch each others back making sure that everyone follows the correct safety procedures before doing the work.

• KEEP Staff: Now that you’ve been in this line of work for a while, is there anything that surprises you about this type of work? Soung: It's different with every job that we run into. Sometimes you get the nice easy going projects, where it's kind of repetitive, then other times you get a project where you have to adapt and overcome because of the obstacles that can get in the way. Then there's the storms that come through that puts people out of power, that's when it gets really interesting!

• KEEP Staff: Any words of wisdom or advice for students in high school who have no idea what they want to be? Soung: There are so many different types of programs and careers out there! How do you know you won't like it if you don't try it?! Continue to further your education, whether in a skills/trades or a degree. You won't regret it! I didn't...
  
  To learn more about this career and other careers in the energy industry, visit http://consortia.getintoenergy.com/wisconsin/ or watch this video provided by Alliant Energy.

Careers in the energy industry are not only about climbing poles or working in a power plant. The energy industry is full of opportunities for people will all different skill sets. One career in the energy industry that your students might be interested in learning about is that of an accountant. Accountants are the financial backbone of any business. If you enjoy working with numbers and finding solutions, this career might be the perfect fit. A nice thing about this career is that you can enter the field with education at every degree level, which means you can grow into the career. An associate's degree will prepare you for an entry-level position while a bachelor's degree will provide a greater base of knowledge. Many of the 2- and 4-year universities in Wisconsin will have an accounting degree for you! And be sure to check into the minors that are available that could be paired with an accounting degree. For example, you could major in accounting at UW-Stevens Point while also earning a Sustainable Energy minor​, a direct pathway for a career in the energy industry.

Many occupations, businesses, and public services (such as utilities) result from the development and use of renewable energy resources. From sizing a wind system to performing routine maintenance, it takes skilled people to support renewable energy systems. There are many dealers, manufacturers, auditors, and maintenance people involved. In general, there are four main areas of careers involved in renewable energy. These include jobs related to system design and manufacturing, siting the location of the system, installing the system, and finally, operating and maintaining the system.

Some career titles of those working in the wind industry are: Utility Engineers, Geophysical Engineers, Concrete/Structural Engineering, Turbine Engineering, Site/Civil Engineering, Microelectronic/Computer Programming, Business Expertise (Financial), Legal Expertise, and Meteorologists. 

To learn more about the countless opportunities in the wind industry, visit the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) or Lakeshore Technical College for training opportunities. This video provides a good preview of Faces of Green Jobs: Wind Energy Provides Stable Middle Class Jobs in America's Heartland.​

Training in the Gas Utility field has the potential for employment in the following areas:

• Propane Gas Delivery Person
  
• New Customer Tank and Cylinder Installer
  
• Gas Construction Mechanic
  
• Gas Meter Mechanic
  
• Gas Clerk Estimator
  
• Gas Regulator Maintenance Mechanic
  
• Gas Appliance Repair Mechanic
  
• Underground Facilities Locator
  

The Gas Utility Construction and Service program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) is the only gas program in Wisconsin and only one of three in the United States. This program prepares students to install, maintain, and operate natural and propane gas distribution systems used to supply residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Graduates of the Gas Utility Construction and Service program will be able to communicate technical information, operate tools and equipment, join pipe, install propane gas distribution systems, install natural gas distribution systems, and maintain gas distribution systems. See more at: http://www.wistechcolleges.org/explore-careers/program/gas-utility-construction-and-service

A Gas Utility Worker’s average starting salary is over $65,000 (FT Median Annual Wage according to NWTC website). 

Intercon Construction is a leading energy-related utility contractor based out of Waunakee, Wisconsin. A woman-owned business, InterCon has developed expertise in all areas of underground work, from gas and electric distribution and transmission to horizontal directional drilling. Learn more about the company and employment opportunities at http://www.intercon-const.com/​. 

This month's Careers in Energy Spotlight is on the field of Technical Design or Technical Engineering. Are your students interested in the utility industry from power generation through transmission and distribution? They may be future designers, coordinators, planners, construction supervisors, project managers, estimators and equipment maintenance technicians, substation test (relay) technicians.

Potential careers in this field may include exciting work in the following areas:

• Systems Control & Relay Technician: installs, tests, adjusts, calibrates, repairs, and troubleshoots electrical power systems, protective relays, controls, alarms, metering, remote controls and telemetering equipment.

• Substation Technician: installs, tests, adjusts and repairs power transformers, loads tap changers, potential transformers, current transformers, high voltage switchgears, battery and charger systems and control equipment used in substations.

• Distribution Systems Designer: designs systems for construction and maintenance of natural gas and electric systems.

• Power Plant Instrument Technician: analyzes and repairs electrical and instrumentation/controls hardware and software in a power generation plant.

• Relay Technologist: ensures safe and effective operation of transmissions, distribution and generation facilities by calibrating, testing, maintaining and repairing protective and auxiliary relays, relay systems and associated communication equipment.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) provides an Associate degree program for students interested in this energy field. Learn more about the Utilities Engineering Technology Associate degree at

https://www.nwtc.edu/Programs/Pathways/Science-Technology-Engineering-and-Mathematics/Utilities-Engineering-Technology

Spotlight: Cody Rye, Substation Designer, Wisconsin Public Service

Cody Rye had two dreams growing up: working in the energy industry like his dad and playing football. And though he uses a wheelchair most of the time after being paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident when he was five - through physical therapy and rehabilitation he is now paralyzed from the ankles down - Cody has achieved both of those dreams.

After graduating from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Utilities Engineering Technology program he landed a job as a substation designer with Wisconsin Public Service. Of the energy industry, Cody says most people don’t understand how many jobs are available. In fact, according to NWTC, the energy industry is one with more job opportunities than nearly any other. And while Cody is still receiving calls about other open positions, he says he is happy where he’s at.

To read more about Cody’s story, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JychWaoQ4.​