FirstEnergy Corp

Director Utility Training

FirstEnergy Corp$100K — $130K *
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Education, Organizational Learning, Safety, Engineering, Business or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in energy or utility training leadership and workforce development
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing progression schools and field qualification programs
  • Extensive experience in compliance and safety training for electric power work
  • Strong knowledge of instructional design and evaluation methods
  • Proven experience in establishing and scaling apprenticeship programs
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience
  • Strong program management skills with the ability to influence across a matrix organization

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Utility Training function ensuring safety, compliance, quality, and training effectiveness
  • Develop and evolve training curriculum roadmaps aligned to job performance expectations
  • Implement a systematic approach to training using SAT/ADDIE governance models
  • Design standardized evaluation tools to measure training impact and ensure continuous improvement
  • Execute compliance training strategies for electric power operations in collaboration with various partners
  • Promote a safety-first culture across all training environments
  • Provide oversight for apprenticeship programs ensuring alignment with training standards
  • Build instructor capabilities and ensure consistent training delivery across various formats
  • Manage the training records governance to support regulatory compliance
  • Develop multi-year training forecasts in line with operational goals and emerging technologies

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and incentive compensation
  • Company-sponsored pension plan
  • 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
  • Skills development training with tuition reimbursement
  • Commitment to workforce diversity and equal opportunity employment
Full Job Description
Job Description

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [FEU]

This is a full-time, on-site position in any FirstEnergy location in OH, NJ, PA, WV/MD including: Akron, OH; Holmdel, NJ; Morristown, NJ; Reading, PA, Charleston, WV, Williamsport, MD

The executive leadership position is responsible for leading the strategy, design and implementation of operational training and supporting activities across FirstEnergy. This includes training curriculums, staffing strategies, and training needed for employees to safely and effectively fulfill their responsibilities in areas including distribution, transmission, and generation craft lines, customer service and energy delivery process and systems including emergency preparedness. It also includes establishing and monitoring organizational goals, policies, plans, performance objectives and budgets.

Responsibilities include:
  • Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Utility Training function, accountable for safety, compliance, quality, and effectiveness of training delivered to Transmission & Distribution (T&D) operations and supporting groups.
  • Own and evolve FE's progression-school strategy (e.g., distribution line worker, transmission line worker, substation, relay/protection, underground, transmission) including curriculum roadmaps, sequencing, prerequisites, and readiness criteria aligned to job task analysis and field performance expectations.
  • Establish and enforce a Systematic Approach to Training (SAT)/ADDIE governance model for analyzing work, designing instruction, developing materials, implementing delivery, and evaluating results for T&D training programs.
  • Design and deploy standardized evaluation instruments (knowledge/skill assessments, job performance measures, performance checklists, field validations, observation guides) and an outcome measurement strategy (Reaction/Learning/Behavior/Results) to demonstrate training impact and target continuous improvement.
  • Lead compliance training strategy and execution for electric power operations, including OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 related to training qualification, refresher criteria, safe work practices and documentation practices, in partnership with Corporate Safety, Operations, and Labor.
  • Maintain "leading with safety" culture across all training environments (yards, labs, substations, classrooms, mobile/field training), ensuring training activities, equipment, and simulations meet applicable safety requirements and are risk-assessed prior to delivery.
  • Provide enterprise oversight for registered/recognized apprenticeship programs (e.g., distribution line worker, substation electrician) including standards, related instruction, on-the-job training alignment, progression, completion, and continuous partnership with labor unions and joint training committees.
  • Build instructor capability through train-the-trainer standards, coaching, classroom/field observation, and technical qualification expectations; ensure consistent delivery across locations and modalities (in-person, blended, e-learning, and simulation).
  • Own training records governance for utility training programs (LMS and supporting systems), ensuring accurate completion data, qualifications, and evidence packages that support internal controls and readiness for internal/external audits and regulatory reviews.
  • Develop the annual training forecast and multi-year capability plan aligned to Operations workforce plans, capital programs, major work methods changes, and emerging technologies; manage the operating and capital budgets for training assets and facilities.
  • Partner with T&D Operations leaders to translate business needs into training solutions, coordinate training impacts for major initiatives, and drive timely change management communications across a matrixed environment.
  • Continuously benchmark against utility industry best practices for T&D training (progression schools, field assessment, simulation, and safety training) and apply improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.
  • Support the FirstEnergy storm restoration process with a dedicated storm role, ensuring training readiness for incident response, mutual assistance, and emergency work practices.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree (Education, Organizational Learning, Safety, Engineering, Business, or related field) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10+years of relevant experience in energy or utility training leadership and/or workforce development (e.g., electric utility, nuclear, power generation), including direct responsibility for craft progression schools and field-based qualification programs.
  • Demonstrated experience leading progression schools and field-based qualification programs for craft roles in energy or Transmission & Distribution (e.g., line, substation, relay/protection, switching, underground, power generation) including curricula, assessments, and instructor standards.
  • Extensive experience designing and managing compliance and safety training for electric power work, including OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 requirements, qualification concepts, and audit-ready training documentation.
  • Working knowledge of instructional systems design and evaluation, including ADDIE/SAT practices and the use of evaluation instruments to measure training effectiveness and determine qualification for safety-critical tasks.
  • Proven experience establishing, improving, or scaling apprenticeship programs (including related instruction and on-the-job training alignment), preferably in a union environment.
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience, including leading leaders, developing diverse talent, setting performance expectations, and delivering results through a culture of accountability and inclusion.
  • Strong program management skills (process design, budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement) with the ability to influence across a matrix organization.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical work practices into effective learning experiences and clear expectations for multiple audiences.
  • Ability to travel as needed and work extended hours to support employees working at multiple locations across FE's service territory, including support of storm restoration roles.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Adult Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, Safety, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Professional safety and training credentials (e.g., CSP/ASP, CHST, ATD) and/or demonstrated expertise delivering OSHA-aligned programs.
  • Hands-on craft or frontline supervision experience in T&D (line, substation, relay/protection, or underground) is a plus.
  • Experience with learning technologies (LMS administration, digital content tools, blended learning, simulation) and using analytics to improve completion, proficiency, and field performance outcomes.
  • Experience with Department of Labor registered apprenticeship standards and utility industry training best practices


Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team

About FirstEnergy Corp

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation's fifth largest investor-owned electric system, serving 4.5 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and its generation subsidiaries control more than 14,000 megawatts of capacity. Our Corporate Vision is to become a leading regional energy provider.

FirstEnergy Corp Careers

Join the dynamic team at FirstEnergy Corp, a leading energy company where innovation, leadership, and diversity are valued. As one of the most prominent energy providers, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that empower you to shape the future of energy.

Work You’ll Do

At FirstEnergy Corp, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life through sustainable practices and smart energy solutions. Our team is at the forefront of the energy sector, driving growth and transformation in an ever-evolving industry. By joining us, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to pioneering advancements in energy technology.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, FirstEnergy Corp provides a platform for professional growth and career advancement. Our diverse range of job opportunities in engineering, customer service, IT, and business management positions us as an ideal employer for ambitious candidates ready to make a significant impact.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with FirstEnergy Corp’s internship programs. These opportunities are designed to give you hands-on experience and insights into the energy sector, enhancing your skills and preparing you for future employment. Interns at FirstEnergy Corp gain valuable industry knowledge and practical skills, making them well-prepared for full-time roles within our company.

Culture and Benefits

FirstEnergy Corp is dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. We believe in providing our employees with a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Our benefits package is comprehensive, including health, retirement plans, and continuous diversity training to ensure every team member can achieve their personal and professional goals.

Professional Development and Networking

We encourage continuous learning and development through a variety of training programs and leadership workshops. FirstEnergy Corp is committed to the professional growth of our employees, offering development programs that cater to enhancing leadership skills and expanding professional networks. Networking within the company and industry is supported and encouraged through various events and initiatives, helping you build valuable connections that can advance your career.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make a difference? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are eager to drive change and excel in their careers. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a company that values vision and hard work.

Stay Connected

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Learn more about FirstEnergy Corp
Size
12,395 employees
Market Cap
$23.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1 billion
Founded
1997
5 Year Trend
+0.8%
Revenue
$10.7 billion
NASDAQ

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