State Proclamations Recognize UI Leaders for Trade Internship Program
Two UI leaders honored with Governor’s Proclamations during Trade Internship Program graduation ceremony
11 UI/SCG trade interns are celebrated for completing the 10-week hands-on training program in utilities’ front-line workforce
ORANGE, CT — August 21, 2025 — Today, United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., announced UI leaders Christine Pariseau and Moses Rams were recognized by Governor Ned Lamont with a Governor’s Proclamation for their leadership in creating and leading the UI and SCG Trade Internship Program.
Pariseau, Senior Director of Electric Operations, and Rams, Chief Line Crew Leader at UI and President of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 470-1, lead UI’s internship program, which is designed to introduce high school and community college students to in-demand union careers in the energy and utility sectors. The Proclamations were presented to Pariseau and Rams by State Representative David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) on August 20 in Trumbull, CT during the graduation ceremony for the 11 Trade Interns that completed this year’s program. Also in attendance were State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford).
“The dedication and leadership that these UI leaders have demonstrated is beyond deserving of Governor Lamont’s recognition. With more than 2,000 employees based here in Connecticut, we’re proud to be training the next generation workforce.” said Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda. “These students are fortunate to work under the mentorship of Christine and Moses, and I am grateful to our entire UI and Avangrid teams for their trailblazing leadership in continuing their investment in this fantastic program for the third year in a row.”
The Trade Internship Union Scholars Program launched in 2023 as a partnership of UI, Avangrid, and the Utility Workers Union of America 470-1. It provides a 10-week, hands-on paid internship to students enrolled in local trade high schools and Housatonic Community College interested in the field of electric linework. Thirteen former trade interns have been hired full-time by UI and Avangrid as Rotational Utility Workers from 2023 to 2025. Each year, the program has expanded as other Avangrid utilities follow UI’s example, including Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Central Maine Power.
“Seeing our third cohort of remarkable Trade Interns graduate from this year’s program is a true testament to the commitment of all of us at UI, SCG, and Avangrid to developing the next generation of utility workers,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI and SCG. “Governor Lamont’s recognition today demonstrates how seriously our companies take our role in providing hands-on work experience as we showcase the different paths they can take in their careers in the utility industry. UI and SCG’s work in another successful year of this program is truly an asset to Connecticut, and I am very proud to lead this team.”
The recognition from Governor Lamont acknowledges UI’s commitment to Connecticut’s youth, the linesman profession, and the company’s customers through the leadership of Pariseau and Rams. Exposure to electric lineworking and other opportunities for front-line union professions in utility companies teaches students the possibilities that provide life-long career stability and financial freedom.
The Proclamations presented to Pariseau and Rams read as follows:
“WHEREAS, workforce development opportunities are a critical pathway to a safe and secure future for high school and college students across the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, providing hands-on work experience to students promotes future economic development for the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, distressed communities and municipalities in the State of Connecticut are too often overlooked for opportunities for hands-on work experience and workforce development; and
WHEREAS, electric lineworking and other opportunities for front-line union professions in utility companies can provide life-long career stability and financial freedom; and
WHEREAS, the Trade Internship Union Scholars Program launched in 2023 as a partnership of United Illuminating, Avangrid, and the Utility Workers Union of America 470-1 provides a 10-week hands-on paid internship to students in the field of electric linework and enrolled in local trade high schools and the CT State Community College-Housatonic; and
WHEREAS, 13 of the Trade Interns/Union Scholars have been hired full-time by United Illuminating/Avangrid as Rotational Utility Workers from 2023 to 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Trade Interns/Union Scholars Program has expanded each year as other Avangrid utilities follow United Illuminating’s example, including Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Central Maine Power in Maine; and
WHEREAS, this exemplary program would not be possible without your vision, dedication, and leadership in mentoring and training the next generation of Connecticut’s energy professionals.
THEREFORE, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, in recognition of the commitment to Connecticut’s youth, the linesman profession, and United Illuminating’s customers, do hereby officially recognize CHRISTINE PARISEAU and MOSES RAMS in the State of Connecticut.”
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro