The youth are our future, and we want to educate them early about the cooperative difference. That’s why Noble REMC, alongside our fellow regional electric co-ops, took part in JA JobSpark in November at Kruse Plaza.

With more than 5,500 local eighth graders participating, JobSpark is described by Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana as a career and workforce-ready initiative created to connect area students to businesses and organizations in northern Indiana, with a hope to “spark” their interest in careers and get them excited for their future. 

The two-day event provides the opportunity for students to learn about the skills needed for careers as well as the education or training necessary to achieve their career goals. In return, it gives businesses and organizations an opportunity to help build our future workforce.

Noble REMC, Northeastern REMC, Heartland REMC, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, LaGrange County REMC, Marshall County REMC, Steuben County REMC and Kosciusko REMC worked together to create an engaging interaction with area students, including those from Central Noble, Churubusco, Garrett, West Noble and DeKalb middle schools, that would let them try their hand at the work that our linemen do on a daily basis. 

We set up a bucket truck and utility pole for students to use linemen’s tools on (non-energized) electrical equipment – while racing for a spot on our leaderboard and earning a special gift for their efforts.

It was a huge hit with the students, and we hope it achieved its purpose — sparking an idea of what co-ops do for the community and how they can be a part of that someday.