UI, SCG Celebrate 2026 Trade Intern Graduates, Prepared for Electric and Natural Gas Careers
Ten graduates complete 10-week program offering real-world training in the electric and natural gas industries
ORANGE, Conn. — August 20, 2026 — United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., today announced the graduating class of the 2026 Summer Trade Internship Program. The 10-week program provides high school and community college students with training and exposure to careers in the electric and natural gas industries. On August 19, a graduation ceremony was held to celebrate six UI interns and four SCG interns completing the program.
“Seeing these students demonstrate the skills they gained over the past ten weeks was truly inspiring,” said Kim Harriman, Deputy CEO of Avangrid. “They have shown determination, curiosity, and a strong commitment to learning. This program is vital to preparing the next generation of workers, and I’m excited to see the impact they will make in the communities we serve.”
“Skilled workers remain in high demand and today’s graduates represent the future of our industry,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI and SCG. “None of this would be possible without the dedication of our instructors and mentors teaching not only technical skills, but the confidence, discipline, and life skills that help these students succeed long after the program ends.”
This summer marks the fourth year of the Trade Internship Program for UI and UWUA Local 470-1 and the second year for SCG and USW Local 12000 and 12000-1 AFL-CIO CLC. The 10-week program offers a comprehensive, hands-on training experience both in the classroom and in the field. UI interns receive instruction in pole-climbing, operating a bucket truck, and safely working with tools and equipment. SCG interns learn about gas system design, installation, repairs, and safety inspections, gaining experience in both construction work and service calls.
The graduation ceremony took place in Trumbull with UI and SCG leaders, local officials, union and school representatives, and families of the interns in attendance. Graduates performed demonstrations of the skills they learned, including pole climbing and working with electrical and gas equipment, followed by a presentation of certificates.
“The partnerships and collaboration with local technical high schools, the unions, town officials, and company leadership is crucial to the success of this program,” said Moses Rams, President of UWUA Local 470-1 and Chief Line Crew Leader at UI. “With the guidance of our experienced mentors, students learn skills and gain exposure to possibilities they may not have known about before. We are committed to instilling values of safety and dedication in these students, and we are proud of how far they have come.”
“This program enables students to gain valuable experience and a clear career path in the natural gas industry,” said Marcelo Assis, President of USW Local 12000 & 12000-1 AFL-CIO-CLC and Service-Mechanic A. “Interns are exposed to the rewarding career opportunities that allow them to make a truly meaningful impact in their own communities. The graduates have worked hard and are ready to apply what they have learned as they prepare for life-long careers.”
Media Contact:
Angela Baccaro
angela.baccaro@avangrid.com
(203) 836-0874