"Life Beyond the Line," an exhibit on display at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery, features local D.C. artists and highlights the first graduates from DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) in larger-than-life portraits captured by Reginald Cunningham. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
**FILE** "Life Beyond the Line," an exhibit on display at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery, features local D.C. artists and highlights the first graduates from DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) in larger-than-life portraits captured by Reginald Cunningham. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Pepco and the District’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) celebrated the 250th graduate of its DC Infrastructure Academy Pepco Utility Training Program, designed to provide city residents with access to training and opportunities that will result in an in-demand, well-paying career in the energy sector.

“The DC Infrastructure Academy Pepco Utility Training Program is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving economic opportunity and workforce development in our city,” said DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes. “By equipping D.C. residents with the skills and knowledge necessary for success, we are not just opening doors to in-demand, well-paying jobs but empowering individuals to build sustainable careers that will uplift their families and communities. We are proud to celebrate the 250th graduate of this program and look forward to its continued impact on our residents’ lives.”

Twenty-four District residents graduated from the program’s 15th cohort, after completing a 14-week program comprised of customized training for the Construction and Skills Trades exam, along with workforce readiness and technical skill development for entry-level positions within the industry. Upon graduation, participants will have the opportunity to interview for various Pepco positions and contractor roles with Contractors of Choice in the District.

“We’re incredibly proud of this cohort of 24 graduates, many of whom are referrals from previous cohorts,” said Pepco Holdings Chief Operating Officer, Tamla Olivier. “For us, that ripple effect is the ultimate measure of success. We continue to champion D.C. residents by preparing them for high-potential roles in the energy industry in a way that is prompting them to share the resource with their family and friends.”

“Being part of the Infrastructure Academy has been an incredible experience,” explains Leo Bopp, substation junior B mechanic for Pepco. “The hands-on learning and real-world insights gave me the confidence to pursue my career in this field. The program has opened doors I never thought possible.”

The DCIA Pepco Utility Training Program is made possible through the public private partnership between Mayor Muriel Bowser and Exelon/Pepco.

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