NTE Energy to Partner with HH Ellis Technical High School

Students would receive hands-on training and experience working on construction of Killingly Energy Center  
 
Killingly, CT – Local students would receive hands-on training and experience working on the construction of the proposed Killingly Energy Center through a new partnership between NTE Energy, H.H. Ellis Technical High School and the Greater Hartford-New Britain Building and Construction Trades Council.
 
The program would be available to students who have demonstrated readiness to benefit from the school’s Work-Based Learning program, which enhances student learning through actual job site experiences. To participate, students must comply with all stated requirements and complete a Work-Based Learning Agreement signed by the student, parent/legal guardians, school and employer.
 
“The Killingly Energy Center project would provide our students with real-world experience and training working alongside skilled professionals,” said Kimberly Pascone, dean of students and work-based learning coordinator for H.H. Ellis Technical High School. “We are so grateful to NTE Energy for offering this opportunity to Ellis students, and we look forward to the start of construction.”
 
NTE Senior Vice President Tim Eves said the company is excited to partner with Ellis Tech.
 
“We’re very impressed with Ellis Tech’s programs, and we know their students will be an asset to the Killingly Energy Center project,” Eves said. “We’re looking forward to partnering with Ellis to help train the next generation of skilled tradespeople needed to grow Connecticut’s economy.”
 
Todd Dexter, business agent for the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 Connecticut and an Ellis Tech graduate, was instrumental in forging the partnership between the school and NTE.
 
“I have seen first-hand how partnerships like these have helped launch careers that allow workers to raise a family, educate their kids and retire comfortably,” Dexter said.  “This is certainly a win-win for all parties involved.”
 
Currently making its way through the state permitting and approval process, the proposed Killingly Energy Center, if approved, will provide a cleaner, more reliable source of needed electricity for the region. Approximately 450 construction jobs will be created during the construction period, along with approximately 25 full-time, well-paying jobs once the facility is operational.
 
The Killingly Energy Center will be one of Killingly’s largest property tax payers, contributing more than $110 million to the town and local fire district over 20 years. The facility will also contribute a $5 million community environmental benefits payment that may be used for needed community projects and scholarships.

Photo: NTE Energy’s Tim Eves (far left) and Brian Romero (far right) join H.H. Ellis Technical High School Dean Kimberly Pascone and Todd Dexter, business agent for International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 Connecticut and an Ellis Tech graduate.