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Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and United Way Miami proudly celebrated the graduation of the first class from their pilot lineworker pre-apprenticeship program today.
A total of 10 students, recruited through United Way Miami’s UpSkill Miami transformative workforce initiative fund, have completed six months of rigorous training designed to prepare them for future careers in the energy industry. This milestone represents an important step toward strengthening the skilled workforce in Miami-Dade County and closing the gap between unfilled jobs and underserved talent.
“Today is a reflection of what is possible when people are given the right tools, support, and opportunity,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “Through our initiative, UpSkill Miami, we help ensure thousands of individuals earn gainful employment in high-demand industries. Together through partnerships and a shared mission, we are not only creating career pathways — we are fostering long-term impact that helps individuals thrive, strengthens families, and moves our entire community forward.”
The pre-apprenticeship program, Bright Path “Learners Today. Lineworkers Tomorrow,” is led by instructors from the International Brothers of Electrical Workers SCU4 and provides a comprehensive learning experience, including classroom instruction, hands-on field training, computer-based modules and a two-week internship. Students in the program gained technical skills in maintaining and restoring overhead and underground power lines, as well as safe operation of heavy equipment—all essential competencies to becoming professional lineworkers.
“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and the dedication they have shown,” said Ed De Varona, FPL vice president of power delivery. “Lineworkers play a vital role and are essential in safely delivering reliable electricity to our customers. The students who have completed this program are well on their way to fulfilling careers that serve our customers and communities across South Florida.”
Graduates who successfully completed the program are now eligible to be considered for lineworker positions with FPL in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The first class of graduates include:
- Steven Salinas Santiago
- Aidan Sealey
- Lazaro Moya
- Jonathan Lewis
- Josue Perez Jr.
- Phillip porter Dade
- Alejandro Fernandez
- Elijah Johnson
- La’Monze Percentie
- Anthony Denis
For further information: Florida Power & Light Company, Media line: 561-694-4442,
@FPL_Newsroom
About United Way Miami
United Way Miami has been a leader in Miami-Dade’s nonprofit community for more than 100 years. Founded in 1924, we work with our network of donors, volunteers and partners to transform the lives of our most vulnerable residents. We leverage our unique position to convene the community and build awareness of Miami-Dade’s needs and potential. Through our Core Four pillars – Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility – we invest in more than 100 programs at over 60 impact partner agencies and lead 17 initiatives to address local issues and support families and individuals throughout the county. Entering our next century, we’re building on our legacy of future-focused, innovative, collaborative work to continue making a lasting impact today and for generations to come. For more information, visit unitedwaymiami.org.
About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than 6 million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. By leveraging a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, solar and battery storage, FPL operates one of the most fuel- and cost-efficient power generation fleets in the U.S. and has earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for seven of the last ten years. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is advancing America’s energy future with one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of power generation and infrastructure solutions. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
