While most college graduates find themselves unemployed and swimming in debt, a community college - corporate partnership offers a way out.

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) held a press conference Monday to announce the reinstatement of its Power Systems Institute (PSI).

PSI is a partnership between Brookdale and Raritan Valley Community Colleges with JCP&L to train the next generation of utility line and substation workers. According to the utility's press release, PSI is a two-year program that combines hands-on utility skills at JCP&L training facilities with technical course work at the two schools. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on Electric Utility Technology.

During the press conference, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno spoke about the alarming number of available jobs, estimated at over 200,000 on the Jobs4Jersey.com website, but few skilled employees to fill them, a situation she calls the skills gap problem.

"So what you see in this room right now is absolutely the perfect solution to the skills gap problem," said Guadagno. "And the problem being that there aren't enough people to do 21st century jobs and there isn't enough money for parents like me to send those kids to go to school to go to college when they're not going to be guaranteed a job. So what we have here is a win win situation for everyone."

JCP&L's parent company First Energy introduced PSI in 2000 and trained a total of 160 utility line and substation workers. However, as a result of the economic downturn, the program was placed on hold in 2011. The utility's press release stated the projected hiring needs at the time did not support bringing in new students. It says after re-evaluating its future workforce needs, the decision was made to reinstate the program targeting a fall 2015 enrollment class.

"This program teaches in-demand job skills, leads to a college degree and creates an opportunity for employment immediately after graduation," said Brookdale President Dr. Maureen Murphy. "It fits perfectly with Brookdale's mission and we are thrilled to once again offer this unique opportunity."

Orientation programs for prospective students will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ and on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 from 6 - 8 p.m. at RVCC, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ. More information is available at firstenergycorp.com/psi or call 800-829-6801.

Be warned, the selection of students is very competitive. After speaking with program graduates, they told me class sizes did not exceed 10 students. In fact, the press release states that "program openings are limited, and applications will be assessed through a competitive, multi-step process." So put on your "A" game if you plan to apply.

Lt Governor Guadagno Speaks with JCP&L PSI Graduates, photo credit Rosetta Key Townsquare Media
Lt Governor Guadagno Speaks with JCP&L PSI Graduates, photo credit Rosetta Key Townsquare Media
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