AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., proudly celebrated the graduation of five high school students from its inaugural Union Trade Internship Program. It is the first-of-its-kind opportunity in Maine’s electric utility industry.
Over the course of 10 weeks, students from Somerset Career and Technical Center in Skowhegan trained alongside CMP union crews, gaining hands-on experience in lineworker skills at the company’s Farmingdale training facility and out in the field. From climbing poles to operating bucket trucks and mastering essential safety tools, these interns learned the fundamentals of electric utility work — without ever working on live wires.
“This graduation marks a proud moment for CMP and for Maine’s future workforce,” said Eric Sutton, vice president of electric operations for CMP. “Our Union Trade Internship Program is the first of its kind in the state’s electric utility industry, and these students have shown incredible dedication and potential. By gaining hands-on experience in a skilled trade, they’re building a strong foundation for rewarding careers. We’re honored to support their journey. This is how we invest in our communities, our grid, and the next generation of talent.”
The graduation ceremony, held on Aug. 22 at CMP’s Farmingdale facility, brought together students, families and CMP leadership to celebrate the interns’ achievements. The graduates showcased their skills through live demonstrations, highlighting their safety knowledge, technical ability and teamwork.
“This was immersive learning at its best,” said Fisher Tewksbury, a participant in CMP’s Union Internship Program. “We worked hard, learned quickly and gained hands-on experience we couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Getting this kind of training right here in Maine gave me a real foundation for a future in the trades. I’m proud to be part of a program that not only supports our communities but also helps build the workforce that keeps them powered.”
The program is part of a broader Avangrid workforce development initiative that began in Connecticut in 2023 at CMP’s sister company, United Illuminating. CMP’s version marks the first time this model has been brought to Maine.
Students, all age 16 and older, were selected through a competitive recruitment and interview process. With graduation behind them, they now carry forward valuable skills — and a clearer path toward rewarding careers in the energy industry.
