UI, SCG Trade Internship Programs Build New Opportunities for a Growing Workforce
Now welcoming both community college students and high school students, the 10-week Trade Internship Program connects 12 students to hands-on career paths on the front lines of UI and SCG operations
Twelve new Trade Interns today with the respective union presidents, members of UI and SCG Operations teams, and members of Avangrid’s People & Organization team.
ORANGE, Conn. — June 23, 2025 — Today, United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., launched their respective 2025 Trade Internship Programs. The 10-week hands-on internships are designed to introduce high school and community college students who are interested in or pursuing the trades to in-demand union careers in the energy and utility sectors. Led by a collaborative effort between the companies, Avangrid’s People & Organization team, and the unions representing UI and SCG front-line workers – respectively, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 470-1 and the United Steel Workers Local 12000 and 12000-1 – the Trade Internship Programs highlight the companies' commitment to workforce development and career access across Connecticut.
“Our Trade Internship Program continues to thrive—now celebrating its third year at UI and its exciting debut at SCG,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI and SCG. “Each year, more students see UI and SCG not only as utility companies, but as a place where they can build real careers in skilled trades that power their communities. By offering access to union-led training and exposure to field operations, we’re helping shape a new generation of energy professionals who reflect the communities we serve.”
“This program offers students a true window into the world of electric operations,” said Christine Pariseau, Senior Manager of Electric Operations at UI. “These students are not just shadowing—they are engaging directly with the equipment, teams, and safety practices that keep our systems running every day.”
The Trade Internship Program, first established in 2023 for students from local technical high schools, continues to expand its footprint and impact. This year, it includes students from CT State Community College Housatonic who completed Introduction to Overhead Line Work in fall 2024, a three-week certificate program that was developed by UI, UWUA Local 470-1, CT State Community College Housatonic, and The WorkPlace. During the course, participants focused on developing foundational skills in electric linework, primarily through hands-on simulations with deenergized infrastructure at the Trumbull Training Yard. Meanwhile, high school students were recruited from Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport, Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden, and Platt Technical High School in Milford. At UI, three of the certificate students have returned after earning their certificates last fall, alongside four high school interns. SCG welcomes five interns: one returning certificate graduate and four high school students. In total, 12 students join the companies’ front-line workforces for the summer.
“Welcoming new interns while seeing familiar faces return is incredibly rewarding,” said Olga Kaminsky, Director of Talent Acquisition at Avangrid. “It means the program is more than just a summer experience—it’s becoming a launchpad for real careers. When students return, it shows they see a future with us, and that’s exactly the kind of lasting connection we’re working to build.”
“Programs like this weren’t available when I was starting out—and I would’ve embraced the opportunity without hesitation,” said Moses Rams, Chief Line Crew Leader at UI and President of UWUA Local 470-1. “It’s a privilege to now support these interns as they take their first steps into a field that’s vital, respected, and full of potential.”
“It’s incredibly exciting to launch this program at SCG for the first time,” said Marcelo Assis, Service Technician A at SCG and President of USW Local 12000 and 12000-1. “I’m really looking forward to meeting the interns this week and supporting them as they learn the ropes. I know these next few weeks will be full of growth, curiosity, and discovery—for them and for us.”
Media Contact:
Sarah Wall Fliotsos