The Mid-Atlantic region, including Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, was one of the first geographic markets Power Design expanded into after starting as a Florida-based electrical contractor in 1989. Now, operating in more than 20 states nationwide, the company’s presence has grown as a multi-trade contractor working on some of the largest residential projects in the country.

“We constantly have to think of the next generation,” said Power Design’s Workforce Development Executive, Chris Riley, after accepting the award for “Outstanding Apprenticeship Program of 2021” during the event. As an active leader within Power Design, Riley helps to execute the company’s mission of future-proofing our workforce, which is facing industry-wide labor shortages.

“Power Design is offering high school students the exposure they need to go into electrical apprenticeship programs so that they can further their careers in the trades,” said Associate Director of the DOES, Ashley Williams. “Without that exposure, we wouldn’t have this opportunity available to D.C. residents, especially not our young people in schools,” she explained.

Post-ceremony, Riley paid a visit to one of the schools referenced by Williams and Brown, Ballou Stay High School. Here, students and administrators alike appreciate and welcome the mentorship support.

“Our students that are currently at the school, and our alumni students, Chris worked very closely with them going through the process of becoming a pre-apprentice,” said Internship Instructor at Ballou Stay High School, Cindy Delmas.

The program Riley facilitates, called “Recharge”, continued at Ballou Stay High School virtually throughout the pandemic and is now back in person. “I look forward to continuing to work with the kids and helping the future workforce in D.C. and across the country,” concluded Riley. Click here to learn more about Power Design’s workforce development efforts.