In 2017, DTE and Henry Ford College launched the Power and Trades Pathways Program, which prepares students for high-demand jobs in the energy industry. We are proud to announce that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named our company a finalist for this year’s Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors purpose-driven businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges.
“We’re proud to be recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, especially for a partnership like the Power and Trades Pathways Program,” says Chris HooSang, director, Corporate Human Resources. “Power and Trades Pathways is a great way for people to learn skills they need to get into a well-paying, stable career within our industry.”
Since the Power and Trades Pathways Program launched, 76% of students have reported that they are employed since graduating with an associate degree or certificate. One of those students is Gerrid Buttram, who is now an EFO Field Service Representative with our company. Gerrid was a student at Randolph Technical High School in Detroit, where he heard about our Summer Youth Internship Program from a counselor. Gerrid spent two summers with us, and after graduating we recruited him into the Power and Trades Pathways Program.
“Power and Trades Pathways provided me the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career at DTE,” says Gerrid. As part of the program, Gerrid gained certificates in Construction Blueprint Reading, Electricity, Hand and Power Tools, First Aid and other subjects crucial to a job in the energy industry.
He believes it’s a great program for young people to pursue. “I am a 22-year-old man, and a full-time employee at DTE. The Power and Trades Pathways Program is a great choice for someone looking to get into the skilled trades.”
Last fall, we expanded our partnership with HFC and launched the Customer Service Professional Certificate of Achievement program, which can help anyone looking for a new career with a great company. DTE collaborated with numerous partners across the region, including Rock Central, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Henry Ford Health, to develop core competencies needed to be successful in a customer service position.
“This has been a rewarding collaboration with both Henry Ford College and various companies around Southeast Michigan,” says Deborah Majeski, manager, Workforce Development. “We’re building on the success of the Power and Trades Pathways Program to fill a need for DTE and our region. We’re hoping students see Customer Service as not just a job, but a career.”
For 23 years, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Citizens Awards have recognized the most innovative and impactful corporate citizenship initiatives raising the bar on social responsibility. This year’s finalists have developed innovative solutions to the challenges our country faces and continue to accelerate momentum for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
“We are proud of our valuable and longstanding partnership with DTE,” says Russ Kavalhuna, President of Henry Ford College. “Our collaborative programs with DTE are highly responsive to the needs of industry and the needs of our students. These students are graduating with industry-recognized credentials. They are obtaining great jobs in the energy careers that our state needs. This is why we all do this very rewarding work.”
DTE is thrilled to be recognized as a business that uses its talent, resources and expertise to serve our communities and drive progress toward a better future for all.