On October 30, the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) hosted their annual Girl Power camp. This year more than 80 young women participated, with groups from the Northern Neck Technical Center (NNTC) and Lancaster High School ready to gain some hands-on experience and learn more about opportunities within the energy industry.
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) was well-represented, with several employees volunteering their time to help make the event a success, including Gena Boarman, Chris Henry, Craig Loving, Blaine Salmans, and Brittany Johnson.
Students were split into groups to participate in a series of interactive stations, each showcasing a different aspect of the energy industry. From operating bucket trucks to understanding fiber lines and pole maintenance, students were given an up-close look at the skills and technology that power electric utilities. “This was the most hands-on event I’ve been to in a long time. It was interesting to see all the jobs that make electricity, internet and more work,” shared Victoria Ingram, student at NNTC.
Other stations covered topics like human resources, financial planning, and career pathways within the industry. The camp broadened the students’ perspectives, with some participants commenting on the value of seeing alternative career options. “I enjoyed being able to see how many opportunities we have outside of the things we are told we could do. It was amazing!” said NNTC student Gabby Dunaway.
“Girl Power is an amazing event for NNTC. So much time and thought have gone into planning stations for our students to better understand different career paths in electricity and what opportunities are available for them in the future,” said Sharon Womble, Career Director at NNTC. “It opens their eyes to possibilities they are not aware of currently. Every one of our students came away with different highlights of the day.”
One of the most popular stations of the day is the pole-climbing station. Under the guidance of Boarman, Henry, Loving, and Salmans, students were shown the tools, equipment and safety techniques used by lineworkers in the field. Many students took on the challenge of climbing a pole. Gabby Lewis, a NNTC student, was thrilled to try climbing herself, saying, “I enjoyed the Girl Power event because it was hands-on, and I even got to climb a utility pole! Overall, the experience was fun and memorable.”
Reflecting on the experience, Gena Boarman shared, “It’s exciting seeing young women take an interest in the energy industry and for them to come here and experience what a day on the job can look like.”
“The energy industry has a tremendous amount of opportunities and challenges in the coming decades, and we need a diverse and accomplished workforce to meet those needs,” said Mary Catherine Jones, Director of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Readiness for Lancaster County Public Schools and member of the board of directors of NNEC, “Events like this are imperative to establishing career pipelines, and I am so encouraged that about 10% of the participants came from the Northern Neck region. It is really a testament to the quality of students in our community and the positive relationships that NNEC has with its local schools.”
Girl Power is an essential step in attracting young talent and creating an environment where future industry professionals have space to explore this field with the support of current industry leaders. NNEC is proud to support this camp and to have such great participation from students in the area.
