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Arizona GEM Corps Youth Crews Receive APS Truck Donation to Support Hands-On Learning
Local youth crews enrolled in Prescott’s Arizona GEM Corps – a partner organization of AmeriCorps – recently received a donated utility truck from Arizona Public Service (APS) which will be used to support activities and job assignments that promote career development.
The utility truck was previously used by APS field employees to support maintenance and construction projects that helped serve customers with reliable power. Due to APS’s transportation standards, the truck reached its age and mileage threshold and was on its way to retirement from the transportation fleet when GEM Corps shared its truck unexpectedly broke down.
Still in good shape and in safe condition to operate, the truck now has a new purpose to help recent high school graduates gain career experience.
“A cornerstone of our program is providing our youth crews with valuable real-world experience that can help them build their resumes and prepare for their futures,” said Louis Occhiline, GEM Corp Crew Leader. “Our truck broke down this summer during a trailhead reconstruction project our crews were working on. We needed a new vehicle to help us continue to provide our youth members opportunities to learn and work with their hands out in the community. APS’s donation came at the right time and will help us continue this important work.”
The Arizona GEM Corps provides unique and beneficial opportunities to individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 who are interested in exploring careers through real-life job experience, guidance and mentorship from qualified experts representing a variety of trade professions. Louis says the utility truck will help the non-profit organization transport students, tools and resources to job sites.
Earlier this year, APS Prescott crews met with Arizona GEM Corps members to share more about what it takes to become a lineworker, professional training and how they work safely to keep the power on for homes and businesses throughout the state.
APS Construction and Maintenance Supervisor Brian Alston, who helps maintain transmission powerlines in Prescott and across Arizona’s northern region, participated in the student presentation and when GEM Corps reached out for support, helped match the organization with an appropriate vehicle.
“It’s meaningful for us to share with the next generation of trade professionals the important work lineworkers do to provide reliable electricity, and speaking with these students was a special opportunity to raise awareness about this profession,” said Brian. “We’re grateful for GEM Corps’ dedication to youth development and are happy one of our trucks will have a second home making a difference in the Prescott community.”
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