Students spread out across a college campus isn’t uncommon. What is unusual is seeing them working with high-voltage tools, gliding drones through the air and using solar panels to produce electricity — especially when it’s middle and high school students earning the hands-on experience.
Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) helped provide a memorable field trip for more than 150 area students by hosting an energy career fair in September. The event, co-hosted by the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Green Bay at the Brown County STEM Innovation Center, gave students hands-on opportunities to learn more about the people and technologies that power homes and businesses every day.
Energy experts share industry insights
During the career fair, students tried interactive demonstrations and learned from energy industry professionals at several different stations. One area featured WPS employees showing students the real-world electric and natural gas systems they use to provide affordable, reliable and clean energy.
“Events like this are a great chance to help students learn more about careers they may not have considered before,” said Charles Cornish, natural gas operations supervisor — WPS. “It was great to see many of the students ask thoughtful questions and show interest in our jobs and how we serve our customers.”
WPS field workers were on hand to give students an up-close look at how natural gas flows to their homes. A few feet away, they helped students try out electric tools to complete mock circuits for overhead and underground power lines.
“We received a great response from the students at this year’s career fair,” said Charlie Bauer, electric operations supervisor — WPS. “They eagerly volunteered to try out some of the tools of the trade. We often went longer than the station time limit because the students we so engaged in learning about our work.”
New technologies, new ways to use energy efficiently
The WPS energy career fair also allowed students to learn about renewable energy technologies. UW-Green Bay engineering professors worked with students to explore clean energy designs, such as vertical wind turbines and a hybrid solar energy system that heats water. At another station, students moved and tilted small solar panels to capture enough sunlight to power small electric circuits.
“I liked the solar power and learning about that, and how we can use the different technology in different ways,” said Leah, an Ashwaubenon High School student. “Not just only getting energy from the sun, but also heating things and using it that way.”
After exploring careers delivering energy, students learned about important jobs helping homes and businesses use energy efficiently. Building efficiency professionals demonstrated how to test for energy leaks and manage the energy use of heating and cooling equipment. Students also used drones with thermal imaging cameras to identify air leaking out of homes or buildings.
The energy career fair is one of several WPS initiatives to support students and provide opportunities for careers in the energy industry. The company works with technical colleges on energy-focused career programs, visits with students at college job fairs, and partners with educational and career development organizations. WPS recently began a youth apprenticeship program to provide valuable industry experience to area high school students.
“Working outside with your hands can be rewarding, and helping resolve an issue can really make a customer’s day,” said Kurt Sheedy, lead distribution mechanic — WPS. “The mock systems helped students make the connection to what they see in the real world, and showed them that a rewarding career is closer than they may have originally thought.”
WPS hosted its energy career fair with help from several industry and educational partners. They included Focus on Energy, UW-Green Bay, Slipstream, Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program, Wisconsin Clean Cities and the Wisconsin Energy Workforce Consortium.