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LUMA Strengthens Workforce With Local Talent

Oct. 25, 2024
The Puerto Rico utility hosts a job fair at Arecibo Job Corps.

LUMA held a successful job fair at the Arecibo Job Corps, continuing its commitment to recruiting local talent for its Line Worker Apprenticeship Program. This event, part of a three-year collaboration between LUMA and Job Corps, is designed to offer Puerto Rican students career opportunities in the energy sector.

LUMA’s apprenticeship program has already welcomed three talented Job Corps graduates, and the company is looking to further expand this effort. During the job fair, candidates participated in an initial interview phase, and selected applicants will be notified by mid-November. Those chosen will begin their apprenticeships in January 2025.

“Partnering with Job Corps to provide career opportunities for local students is a key part of our mission to build a more resilient, customer-focused electric system for Puerto Rico. These young professionals are the future of our workforce, and we are proud to invest in their growth,” said Ivonne Gomez, LUMA’s chief people officer.

LUMA’s apprenticeship program not only provides career paths for young Puerto Ricans but also enhances the company’s ability to meet the island’s energy needs. This job fair is the first in a series of annual events LUMA plans to host at both the Arecibo and Ramey Job Corps in Aguadilla campuses to recruit talent. It is expected that other fairs will be organized with other Job Corps centers.  

During the event, Hamilton Lugo, director of distribution lines for the West region, spoke to the students about the importance of their potential roles in Puerto Rico’s energy transformation. “Our partnership with Job Corps is about more than just recruitment. It’s about fostering a new generation of professionals who will help us modernize Puerto Rico’s electric grid. We are thrilled to see the talent and drive these students bring,” said Lugo.

Job Corps, a Department of Labor-funded program, offers structured education and vocational training to underserved students in Puerto Rico, helping them earn their diplomas and gain certification in trades such as electrician’s helper. The dedication and professionalism displayed by these students have earned them recognition, and LUMA is proud to be part of their career journey.

“Today’s event demonstrates LUMA’s commitment to training our young people through the apprenticeship program, where they were also provided guidance on job openings and the application process. Arecibo and Ramey Job Corps thank Mr. Lindsey Petteplace and his team for guiding the youth about the apprenticeship program and showing them firsthand the work they do in the field. This collaboration between entities makes a difference, as these are the opportunities that our youth need to develop professionally”, said Nancy Roldán Rivera, business engagement liaison for the Arecibo Job Corps Center.  

Representatives from LUMA’s Human Resources department were on site to guide candidates through the application process and assist with documentation. In addition, LUMA’s Apprenticeship Department provided a detailed presentation on the company’s program and employment opportunities.

The event marks another successful milestone in LUMA’s efforts to develop local talent while transforming Puerto Rico’s electric grid. LUMA is committed to offering career development opportunities for Puerto Ricans and contributing to the island’s long-term energy resilience.

For more information on available job openings and how to join LUMA please visit lumapr.com/empleo.  

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