CMP’s Expanded Union Trade Internship Program Kicks Off for Summer 2026
Second year of expanded 10-week paid internship welcomes students for hands-on experience in line and substation operations
AUGUSTA, ME – July 20, 2026 – Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., has welcomed nine Maine students into its expanded Union Trade Internship Program for 2026. Now in its second year, the 10-week paid program has doubled student participation, furthered partnerships with schools in central and southern Maine, and introduced enhanced learning opportunities in both line and substation operations.
This year, six students are participating in the lineworker track and three are focusing on substation operations. After spending their first two weeks learning foundational skills at CMP’s Training Center in Farmingdale, interns are now transitioning into supervised field experiences alongside veteran CMP crews. All training is conducted under strict safety protocols, and while students do not perform any work involving energized electrical equipment, they do learn valuable skills about the electrical grid and essential safety controls.
“As CMP’s Union Trade Internship Program kicks off this summer, we’re excited to welcome our largest group of students to date,” said Linda Ball, President and CEO of CMP. “The strong interest we’ve seen from students and schools across Maine reflects the growing demand for hands-on learning opportunities and careers in the skilled trades. Building on the program’s continued expansion, we’re partnering with more schools and providing more students with valuable experience alongside our union workforce. By investing in the next generation of lineworkers and skilled trade professionals, we’re creating a strong local talent pipeline, helping ensure we have the well-trained workforce we need to safely operate and maintain Maine’s energy grid for years to come, and helping young people develop skills that will enable them to have a vibrant career right here in Maine.”
Students ages 16 and older are selected through a competitive recruitment and interview process conducted in partnership with participating schools.
“I heard about the program from my school’s electrical instructor, and it immediately sounded like a great opportunity to learn more about the trade and start building a career as a lineworker,” said Ben Brown, CMP intern and Thornton Academy student. “So far, I’ve learned how to climb poles, which has been a lot of fun, and I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience that is helping put me on the path to becoming a skilled lineworker. I’m especially looking forward to shadowing an experienced lineworker in the field and learning firsthand what it takes to succeed in this career.”
Running from June through August, the internship combines classroom instruction at CMP’s Training Center in Farmingdale with supervised field experience alongside veteran crews. Participants in the line and substation tracks learn foundational skills including pole climbing, bucket truck operation, breaker maintenance, power transformer maintenance, and the safe use of industry tools and protective equipment, while working under strict safety protocols and avoiding any work involving energized electrical equipment.
“The interns have shown tremendous enthusiasm throughout the program, both in the classroom and on the training yard,” said Steve Cookson, Technical Trainer at CMP. “Over the next several weeks, they’ll have the opportunity to work alongside veteran lineworkers, substation personnel and troubleshooters across our service centers, gaining valuable real-world experience in the field. It’s incredible to see their excitement and commitment to learning the trade. They’re off to a strong start, and we’re hopeful this experience will inspire them to return as future CMP lineworkers. We’re excited to see what they accomplish in the weeks ahead.”
CMP’s Maine-based internship program is part of a broader Avangrid workforce development initiative that began in Connecticut in 2023 at CMP’s sister company, United Illuminating (UI). It was the first internship of its kind in the electric utility industry.