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FPUA to host 'Power Up Your Future' youth career event Sept. 3 to showcase utility careers
Summary
FPUA staff presented details of the 'Power Up Your Future' youth career event Sept. 3 (4–6 p.m.), aimed at connecting local students with utility career pathways through interactive displays, department exhibits, and a 'utility passport.'
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority staff told the board on July 15 that FPUA will host its second annual youth career event, "Power Up Your Future," on Sept. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is intended to introduce local youth to careers in public utilities and to highlight entry-level jobs, internships and apprenticeships available at FPUA.
Rachel Tennant, director of public affairs and sustainability, and Manzi Martinez, the utility grants specialist who manages WRF grants, presented the event plan and said the 2024 event drew more than 100 participants and included roughly 30 students from the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County. "Last year, the 2024 event drew over a 100 participants, including students and educators and also community leaders," Martinez said.
Staff described a larger footprint for 2025 to improve circulation and interaction, adding the ESU lobby to the event space to make room for more exhibits and hands-on displays. Planned features include department exhibits from FPUA (electric, water/wastewater, engineering, customer service, IT and finance), a "utility passport" where students collect stamps for visiting booths, a spinning-wheel Q&A activity, employee testimonials and printed and QR-linked job-opening information. Staff emphasized that the event is not a hiring fair but that it will provide information and pathways for future engagement, including apprenticeships.
Board members offered outreach suggestions and partnership ideas. Members recommended earlier recruiting, stronger ties with local schools and programs — including Project Lift, the Treasure Coast Center for Education and Economics, IRSC workforce programs and John Carroll High School — and suggested FPUA consider internship and hands-on pathways that could evolve from students' initial contacts at the event. Staff said some departments already employ interns and that FPUA is building relationships with the school district and workforce groups to expand opportunities.
Staff invited board participation in promoting the event, distributing flyers and attending the event to engage with students and community partners. The board did not take a vote on the presentation; staff requested and received feedback on outreach and follow-up options.
