Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) recently welcomed two Potelco interns, John Blankman and Christian Cartagena, for a four-day immersive experience focused on expanding their understanding of the electric utility industry and the many career opportunities that support the delivery of essential infrastructure and services to communities.
The visit was part of an ongoing internship exchange program between UEC and Potelco, a utility consulting and construction contractor that partners with electric utilities on critical infrastructure projects throughout the region. Through the program, interns from both organizations gained firsthand exposure to different areas of the utility industry.
During their visit to UEC, Blankman and Cartagena explored a variety of departments and operational functions, including land use, geographic information systems, project management, engineering, substations, active project sites, metering, network administration, cybersecurity, system operations, and operator/field coordination. The experience provided insight into how teams across the cooperative work together to safely operate, maintain, and improve the electric system for UEC members.
The exchange also provided UEC interns Joseph Markwith and Jacob Finch with the opportunity to experience the contractor side of the utility industry through time spent at Potelco. During their visit, they gained exposure to several areas of the company’s operations, including utility pole design, the cable remediation program, and operations and maintenance.
A highlight of the experience was following an overloaded transformer replacement project from initial planning through final installation. Markwith said the process demonstrated the importance of communication and coordination between engineers, foremen, and field crews, while Finch valued seeing the full project lifecycle, from developing plans and designs to witnessing equipment installation in the field.
The internship exchange provided both groups of interns with a greater understanding of the interconnected roles that contribute to the electric utility industry. By experiencing both the cooperative and contractor perspectives, participants gained insight into utility construction, project management, engineering, and the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.
“The internship exchange continues to provide meaningful learning opportunities while strengthening our relationship with Potelco,” said Ryan Young, UEC’s manager of engineering, distribution. “It’s valuable for young engineers to see how different parts of the utility industry operate. Whether you’re working for a contractor, consultant, or utility, each organization approaches projects from a unique perspective. Experiences like this help interns develop a broader understanding of the industry while reinforcing the teamwork, technical expertise, and collaboration required to serve our communities.”