Southeast WOW honors Alabama Power for career education
The recent Southeast Worlds of Work (WOW) proved to be a WOW moment for Wiregrass students seeking career guidance as more than 85 organizations offered a highly immersive hands-on experience.
It was also a WOW moment for Alabama Power employees who were recognized for demonstrating leadership in career education and instructing students in worthwhile career possibilities.
Alabama Power lineworkers accepted the award for most-interactive utility exhibitor by instructing students on power distribution service responsibilities, including wearing proper safety gear, operating equipment and repairing transformers.
Alabama Power Southeast Division accepts the award from Southeast Worlds of Work. (contributed)
“Our lineworkers help ensure our communities are receiving the reliable electrical service they expect and deserve, and being a lineworker is a great career with meaningful benefits and advancement opportunities,” said Chad Skinner, Alabama Power Southeast Division Power Delivery general manager.
Alabama Power Southeast Division Community Relations Manager David Norwood was presented with the annual Powell Brewton Leadership Award for Excellence in Promoting Career and Technical Education.
“David has been a key member of our organization serving on both the Regional Workforce Council and the local workforce board in multiple officer capacities,” said Ann Carr, executive director of Southeast WOW. “He is an avid champion for our students and his work with youth, community and workforce organizations helps advance our community education programs.”
Named after Brewton in 2016, the award recipients are recognized for exceptional work supporting and promoting career technical education in the Wiregrass region.
“I’m thrilled to see David recognized by the community for his dedication and support in helping our youths embrace their talents and see opportunities for their future,” said Chere Johnson, Southeast Division area manager. “He exemplifies the commitment we hold as a company to serve our communities and make them brighter.”
Alabama students who participated in the annual Southeast WOW expo were from middle and high schools in Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. The two-day event was held at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan.
Exhibitors including Alabama Power were from agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction and building sciences, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, public service and other areas.
“I’m proud of our employees for being recognized, not just for their work at Alabama Power, but for service to the community,” said Alabama Power Southeast Division Vice President Ken Novak. “We always welcome the opportunity to promote careers at our company. Events like Southeast WOW allow us to help develop our future workforce and elevate our state.”
Alabama Power and other local utilities support Wallace Community College in its workforce development efforts including its pre-apprentice electrical lineworker program.