FPL and United Way Miami Celebrate First Graduating Class of Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship
Carma Henry
FPL worker on pole
FPL graduates with teachers
FPL graduate and mom
FPL workers in front of FPL truck
FPL Graduates:
Steven Salinas Santiago
Aidan Sealey
Lazaro Moya
Jonathan Lewis
Josue Perez Jr.
Phillip porter Dade
Alejandro Fernandez
Elijah Johnson
La’Monze Percentie
Anthony Denis
By Brandon Grant
Program prepares students for rewarding careers in Florida’s growing energy industry
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and United Way Miami proudly celebrated the graduation of the first class from their pilot lineworker pre-apprenticeship program today.
A total of 10 students, recruited through United Way Miami’s UpSkill Miami transformative workforce initiative fund, have completed six months of rigorous training designed to prepare them for future careers in the energy industry. This milestone represents an important step toward strengthening the skilled workforce in Miami-Dade County and closing the gap between unfilled jobs and underserved talent.
“Today is a reflection of what is possible when people are given the right tools, support, and opportunity,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “Through our initiative, UpSkill Miami, we help ensure thousands of individuals earn gainful employment in high-demand industries. Together through partnerships and a shared mission, we are not only creating career pathways — we are fostering long-term impact that helps individuals thrive, strengthens families, and moves our entire community forward.”
The pre-apprenticeship program, Bright Path “Learners Today. Lineworkers Tomorrow,” is led by instructors from the International Brothers of Electrical Workers SCU4 and provides a comprehensive learning experience, including classroom instruction, hands-on field training, computer-based modules and a two-week internship. Students in the program gained technical skills in maintaining and restoring overhead and underground power lines, as well as safe operation of heavy equipment—all essential competencies to becoming professional lineworkers.
“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and the dedication they have shown,” said Ed De Varona, FPL vice president of power delivery. “Lineworkers play a vital role and are essential in safely delivering reliable electricity to our customers. The students who have completed this program are well on their way to fulfilling careers that serve our customers and communities across South Florida.”
Graduates who successfully completed the pro-gram are now eligible to be considered for lineworker positions with FPL in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach count
