Description

Developing a successful internship program can create future employees. This session will explore strategies and guidelines to optimize the internship experience within the electrical contracting industry. Effective recruitment and selection techniques to attract talented interns and the importance of setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and fostering a supportive learning environment will be discussed. Attendees will gain valuable insights on structuring internships to maximize productivity, enhance skill development, and cultivate a pipeline of future electrical professionals.

Speakers

• Moderated by Joelle Salerno

  Western PA Chapter NECA

  Joelle Salerno is the Assistant Executive Director for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (WPA NECA), focusing on Chapter Innovation and Legislative Policy.

  Joelle’s role with WPA NECA is to facilitate and support innovative change among NECA contractors in the areas of emerging markets, workforce development, state-level legislation, and diversity/equity/inclusion/belonging. She also works to expand awareness of the NECA-IBEW joint apprenticeship training program in Western PA.

  During her eight years with NECA, Joelle has been the Western PA liaison for the Penn State University NECA Student Chapter, who have been several-time GEC/ECIC finalists and Student Chapter of the Year. She also develops and manages intern placement and supplemental internship programming for WPA NECA member contractors, and she serves on ELECTRI International’s Talent Initiative Committee.
  

• Angie Hart

  Rosendin Electric Inc.

  Angie Hart has been with Rosendin for 33 years, serving most recently as Executive Vice President. She has grown the company’s market reach and reputation as a top workplace in San Jose. Her career at Rosendin began in 1990 when she took a job as a receptionist and carved her path to leadership, mentoring, and inspiring women throughout the construction industry. In 2022, the Silicon Valley Business Journal honored Angie as a Woman of Influence.

  Hart spearheaded Rosendin’s strategic planning for employee career development and growth and is vital in mentoring team members who continue to foster this culture. Her efforts have resulted in strong employee engagement across the company, and employee satisfaction continues to grow year over year. She created a program to help people who don’t have a traditional construction background find their place at Rosendin, nurturing their career exploration. This program has resulted in higher retention rates, especially with women.
  

• Matt Dole

  Lighthouse Electric

  Matt started with Lighthouse Electric in 2012. He has served in several roles at Lighthouse, IBEW Local #5 Electrical Apprentice, Journeyman Wireman, Foreman, PLD Specialist, Planning Project Lead, and Construction Design Manager. Currently, Matt oversees our Data/Industrial project’s Planning/BIM teams.

  Matt currently holds the title of Construction Design Manager specializing in Data Center/Industrial facilities. He has a thorough knowledge of electrical systems, construction documents, and quality construction work practices.

  Matt oversees the Planning Department project teams and pre-fabrication efforts while maintaining regular contact with the Fabrication Shop, Field Personnel, Estimating Team, and Project Management. Matt’s responsibilities in the planning department include interviewing, hiring, training new and current employees, developing standards, understanding and quantifying department costs, setting goals both long and short term, evaluating employee performance, and providing formal and informal feedback on a consistent basis for all employees.

  Matt is passionate about teaching and helping his team members grow personally and professionally. He believes in using “Radical Candor” and “thoughtful disagreement” to connect and build relationships with his team while utilizing concepts of extreme ownership to build accountability and leadership skills in both himself and those around him.