FPL hired 18 graduates from the Electrical Power Technology program at MDC. The program is part of the Clean Energy Institute, developed by Miami Dade College and FPL in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The graduates received letters of employment and their first FPL hard hats during a special ceremony on Aug. 22, at the MDC Homestead Campus. This is the fifth graduating class, which includes three tracks: mechanical, electrical and instrumentation control.

Campus President Dr. Jeanne Jacobs said the program continues to be a tremendous success. “I'm very proud to share that to-date we've had 94 people go through this program and are now employed at Turkey Point. This program is recognized as a national leader in energy education, and is the result of the important partnership that we have with Florida Power & Light and Miami Dade College.”

Mario Lopez, who graduated from the program, said the program gave him more than he ever expected. “When I started the program I was simply looking for a better opportunity. It supplied more than that. I got a college degree, made new friends and a lifelong career with FPL.”

The graduating students have completed two years in the program, which provides a comprehensive education in the understanding of power plant operations and technologies. Upon completion, the students earn an Associate in Science degree and a job offer from FPL.

Among the new employees are four graduates of the new transmission and substation major. FPL also promoted three employees from the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant who enhanced their skills through the Electrical Power Technology Program.

Michael Bryce, FPL vice president Human Resources Nuclear Division, told the graduates he’s counting on them to uphold the company’s rigorous safety standards. “The hardhat reminds me how incredibly important our jobs are. We're responsible for providing a dire service to our customers, each and every day. That is a responsibility that when I hand you your offer letters today I'm counting on you to uphold for us."