The Tradesformer Program gave me an opportunity to work while I was in school. It also gave me a chance to expand my experience base and knowledge. This program gave me a good career path at GUC.
Heber Gonzalez
Mechanic I/Former Tradesformer
“I got paid to go to school and go to work. It was helpful working with more mature people, and it helped me get hired at GUC full time.”
Porter Harris
WWTP Operator I/Former Tradesformer
As a student intern at Greenville Utilities, I gained invaluable hands-on experience supporting end-users and troubleshooting technical issues. Transitioning to a full-time role allowed me to deepen my expertise, contribute to larger projects, and continue providing reliable IT solutions to this wonderful organization.
Isaiah Bradshaw
IT Support Specialist I/Former Intern
I love how by joining the Tradeformers program I was able to start my career at GUC while still attending high school. I feel as this would be a great option for any young person who is wanting to begin their career early on.
Isaiah Edwards
Electric Lineworker III
I don’t believe most students leave school and think "I'm going to work at my local utility!" In truth, I did not know what GUC or the world of utilities was about other than the bill I receive each month. Turns out, GUC is a family who is dedicated to caring for the local community. They care about students like me, taking the chance to invest in potential. I’ve been with GUC now for more than three years since my internship and this is still true today. Being a part of the GUC’s mission has been nothing but rewarding.
Taylor Nethercutt
Systems Analyst I/Former Intern
My favorite thing about working at GUC is getting hands-on experience while I earned my degree in Industrial Systems Technology.
Juan Herrera
Facilities Maintenance Technician/Former Intern
GUC provides internships, work study, pre-apprenticeships, co-ops, and so much more.
We work with East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, Pitt County Schools CTE students, and we are also part of several collaborative student programs.
Our goal is to give students rewarding opportunities and hands-on learning experiences they can carry with them for a lifetime.
Our Student Programs
This youth apprenticeship program is designed to connect high school students with growing industry trades in our area. The program was started by local trades companies to address skills needs and gaps. Industry and program partners like GUC work closely with Pitt County Schools, Pitt Community College, and other community partners to identify and foster student interest in the trades.
Students who join this program gain on-the-job training and related classroom instruction while also earning a base pay rate and learning valuable skills to advance in their field of interest. To be a part of the Tradesformers program, students must be high school juniors and go through an application and selection process.
Once in the program, students can apply to work as Pre-apprentices at participating companies the summer before their senior school year. Throughout their senior year, Pre-apprentices can continue to work 10-20 hours a week.
Pre-apprentices in the Tradesformers program may be eligible for training and educational funding from the NC Apprenticeship Expansion funds both during and after high school graduation.
Pre-apprentice Lineworkers have the opportunity to enroll in Nash or Martin Community Colleges’ Electric Line Construction Academy. This is a 16-week program where students can earn a Third-Class Line Construction Certificate. Upon completion of the program, the Apprentice Lineworker is eligible to begin a one-year internship at GUC and can apply for employment at GUC should a position become available.