Academics
Grads get critical FPL jobs
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For students interested in nuclear energy, Miami Dade College offers a great opportunity to turn that interest into a career. A partnership with FPL and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has yielded the FPL-MDC Professional Training Pipeline.
Recently, the first students graduated from the program and were all offered jobs.
“This apprenticeship gives our students education and training beyond what they could receive in a classroom-only course,” said Dr. Richard White, director of MDC’s School of Computer and Engineering Technologies. “It also sets them on track for a successful career in a booming field. And more importantly, the program boosts FPL’s workforce by preparing highly trained employees for a future path with the utility company.”
Students learn the skills required to maintain FPL’s Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in addition to any of the other 103 nuclear plants spread across the country.
After two years of study, students can graduate with an Associate in Science in Electrical Power Technology in one of three career tracks: instrumentation and controls, electrical or mechanical maintenance.
As part of the program, FPL commits to hiring 30 students as interns once they have successfully completed the first year of the program. These students receive the apprentice wage scale of $16.50 per hour. Of students who have completed the two-year program, at least 20 will be hired in full-time positions, with a starting salary of approximately $52,000.
“This is a phenomenal program for students who want to hit the ground running after they graduate,” White said. “It creates a ready job market for our students and helps FPL address its critical long-term staffing issue. Since the program began two years ago, nearly a dozen of our students are about to become permanent FPL employees, with more on the way!”
— Barbara Bickel