The U.S. Department of Labor’s praise for Tampa Electric on Nov. 14 was a clear reminder that the company’s electrical delivery apprentice programs are among the best. At the Skills Training Center, Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez got a close-up look at apprentice linemen using training methods Tampa Electric has packaged for more than 180 utilities in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.
As part of his visit, Perez met with TECO team members including Bill Whale, senior vice president of Electric and Gas Delivery, and Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. Gillette gave an overview of his company and its success with safety before he introduced Steve Dosal, manager of Energy Delivery, Safety, Training and Environmental, and one of the facilitators of the Power Pros technical training programs. Gillette also recognized Safety Coordinator Darrell Smith, who played a key role in a partnership with the University of South Florida’s student athletic trainers to reduce on-the-job injuries among craft workers.
“It was an honor to meet Secretary Perez and incredible to get this kind of exposure for our 126 linemen and 32 substation electricians who excel at serving the community while staying safe,” Dosal said. “With safety being our top priority at TECO, and with the jobs of linemen and substation electricians among the toughest in the company, our approach to safety training has to be top-notch. We take great pride in this endorsement.”
In addition to positive feedback of workshop demonstrations, a tour of the outdoor training area and even a ride 55 feet in the air in a distribution truck’s bucket, Perez had only good things to say about the apprentice lineman program.
“Apprenticeships are a gateway to the middle class, and they provide jobs that are critically important,” Perez said. “I met a lot of people here who really love their jobs.”
Robert Tolbert, technical trainer with Energy Supply at the Skills Training Center, demonstrated to Perez how state-of-the-art relay systems work and how they can reduce customer outage time. Tolbert said the visit from Perez is one he’ll remember.
“It’s outstanding that our program was highlighted,” Tolbert said. “I’m almost speechless that the secretary of labor was so interested in our program that he wanted to see it in person. That’s something that speaks volumes.”
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