SRP builds partnership with MCC for workers
Jesse Mock
A partnership between MCC and Salt River Project makes it possible for SRP relay technicians to go to college and also work full-time.Employees who are a part of the four-year SRP Apprenticeship program take on average two classes a semester before or after work.
Lacy Greer, SRP’s apprenticeship administrator, said the program is vital because the technicians need to complete the program in order to qualify for a certified journeyman card.
The program helps the technicians obtain the knowledge needed for work installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical relaying systems at SRP power stations.
This program started because there is a looming shortage of relay technicians according to JD Neglia, program director of electronics at MCC.
“SRP is facing a major crisis right now. A lot of their employees are reaching retirement and they have no one trained to fill their spots,” said Neglia. “This is why the partnership started; our curriculum fits pretty well with what SRP needed for their technicians.”
The stress from working full-time and going to college does not seem to be affecting the technicians’ ability to perform at school or at work.
“The technicians actually are some of my better students. One actually finished the course requirements weeks in advance,” said Neglia.
Bradley Bratton, a technician in the program, believes the program helps in learning the skills needed in order to get his journeyman card but believes the program could use a few revisions.
“I just wish MCC would revise the program a little so we could actually learn on some of the equipment we use at the plant.” Bratton said.
A journeyman relay technician can expect a beginning base salary of about $75,000 a year, with advancement opportunities every six months.
For information about the apprenticeship program contact Lacy Greer at 602-236-2182; or MCC electronics program, JD Neglia at 480-461-7385 or www.mccele.com.
