Students in STEM

What better way to hear about some of the job opportunities at the local utility than a career panel! Hosted by Director of Internet Technology John and Communications/Marketing Manager Lisa, the kids were able to ask WG+E/WCF’s employees about the path that led them to their current position. Everyone was happy to share a description of their job and highlights of their day-to-day activities at WG+E/WCF.

WG+E/WCF appreciates all that teachers do inside the classroom to prepare students for joining the workforce in the future. As a locally owned utility, Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber is committed to supporting local schools and causes to benefit students whether they are in the classroom or outside of it.

Many will agree the most exciting days in school were field trips! Westfield Middle School students celebrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with a field trip this October to Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber’s operations center. Teacher Patrick Dufraine brought his computer programming and robotics students for a visit to see how computer programming and other STEM topics are applied outside the classroom.

How does a smoking pickle relate to STEM? Students found out when they were presented a lesson in natural gas and electrical safety. The middle schoolers watched in awe as one of the linemen soared toward the sky in a bucket truck. Students were intrigued as they witnessed another lineman execute a pole top bucket rescue, in which the linemen scurried up the pole to free a replica dummy. Fiber Foreman Jamie led the middle school students on a tour of the operations center and elaborated on the company’s trucks. Students also learned how a dispatcher responds to electrical outages and the systems used to communicate to the field crews and customers. For lunch, the middle school students enjoyed delicious personal pizzas prepared and served by senior and freshmen exploratory culinary students.