Jesse’s Story: Returning for Second Summer Work Experience

Jesse is an employU client with an interest in electrical work.  This interest in the field started in 2016 when he helped a neighbor install generators after Hurricane Irma. After again doing the same in 2018 during Hurricane Dorian, Jesse’s interest peaked.  

Last year, Jesse participated in a work experience program with our business partner, American Electrical.  They were so impressed with Jesse that they’ve asked him to come back for another summer. Excited to again work with this great company, Jesse is returning for a second year as a Generator Technician Apprentice. American Electrical’s revenue for the past year was $22 million with no signs of slowing down, especially in the generator department. With that workload, they are eager to invest in training the next generation of experienced technicians. 

This summer, Jesse’s daily tasks will include working side-by-side with an experienced American Electrical Technician to assist with generator repair and installation. He will have the opportunity to see multi-million-dollar homes and possibly meet some prominent people in Northeast Florida – a politician or two, and maybe even a Jacksonville Jaguar player! 

When asked about his past summer experience and what he is looking most forward to, Jessie stated ”employU is a really good company and helps out a lot. I learned a lot from my one-on-one with Ethan (American Electrical Technician) and I can’t wait to learn more. I am glad for all the help I am getting and hopefully will get a job with them one day.”  

Jesse’s wish for a permanent position with American Electrical may soon be realized. The company’s CEO and his mentor Ethan have spoken very highly of him, and has a very good chance of moving into a full apprenticeship program after graduating high school. This would set Jesse on a path to a lucrative, meaningful career all without having to fall into any student loan debt. We certainly see a bright future for him on the horizon.

In relation to the heightened precautions of the COVID-19 pandemic, employU’s Transition Program Manager and Coordinator in Jacksonville have spoken with both companies who have guaranteed the safety of all of our student participants. All parties involved are excited to take this employment journey with our students for another summer while keeping safety and health as the top priority.