We work closely with technical schools, colleges, associations and organizations to find the talented employees we need. Our educational partnerships in many of the states where we operate help pave the way for skills development for our generation, distribution and transmission business units.

Despite the hiring slowdown during 2009, our college relations efforts continued. During 2009, a total of 85 students were placed in co-op or intern assignments spanning the range of functions and activities at AEP. We hired 30 former co-ops and interns out of the 43 who were eligible for conversion to full-time employment. We continue to expand our college outreach, focusing on schools with significant minority and female enrollments in engineering and related areas. For example, in 2009 we were pleased to form a relationship with Tuskegee University. We also are exploring use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook to enhance our recruitment efforts.

We have a strong relationship with the Center for Energy Workforce Development, which promotes energy-related careers to the nation’s youth. AEP management and employees serve the organization in advisory and support capacities. 

Our alliance with Hard Hatted Women, which started in 2008, was strengthened last year with a more formal pilot program. The organization helps prepare women for trade and technical careers. Our transmission organization and Hard Hatted Women have piloted an approach to attract women to craft/technical roles.

Cook Plant employees learn control room operations in a new exact replica of Unit 1’s control room (pdf) that opened last fall.

A day in the life of a lineman (pdf)