Summer Interns Gain Work Experience at Blue Ridge Energy

Blue Ridge Energy is pleased to welcome seven interns who will gain hands‑on experience across the cooperative’s system this summer.

Each intern is working alongside experienced professionals to learn the skills, responsibilities, and cooperative values that power our communities. Blue Ridge Energy’s internship program offers students meaningful, real‑world exposure to the electric utility industry. Positions are traditionally posted each February on the cooperative’s careers page, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently attending—or preparing to further—their education. Internship opportunities vary year to year, with past roles including mechanics, vegetation management, IT, and engineering, in addition to this year’s operations, public relations, accounting, and system operations positions.

Interns also go through a rigorous recruiting and interview process with the cooperative and with the help of Foothills Employment Agency of Lenoir. Interns also have the opportunity to meet with the cooperative’s senior leadership team and Board of Directors, where they share insights about their internship experience with Blue Ridge Energy and their career goals.

Operations Interns

These interns are working directly with line crews, learning the fundamentals of safety, equipment, and the essential work that keeps power flowing to members every day:

• Gavin Frasure — Caldwell District. Gavin brings practical work experience and a strong service background, including maintaining operations at a car wash and years of experience in volunteer work helping serve meals and support those in need. Known for his dependability and work ethic, he is drawn to the physical, outdoor nature of line work and is eager to learn by doing.
• Mason Harris — Watauga District. Mason’s customer‑focused background in retail and food service has shaped his strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. He enjoys hands‑on challenges and is motivated to pursue a physically demanding career path like line work.
• Henry “Cole” Treva — Ashe District. Cole brings meaningful outdoor and equipment‑based experience, from working cattle to assisting concrete crews. He has demonstrated the ability to work outdoors, operate equipment safely, and contribute as part of a team. His long‑term goal is to become a line technician and serve his local community.
• Ty Little — Alleghany District. Ty joins the team with direct electrical experience as a working electrician for residential and commercial projects. He aims to build on his foundation, pursue his electrical license, and pursue the challenge of high‑voltage line work.

Corporate Office Interns

• Jackson Keith — System Operations Center (SOC). An Ashe County native, Jackson is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Technology/Renewable Energy Technology at Appalachian State University. With experience in automated systems and industrial maintenance in his role as Industrial Maintenance Technician with Global Manufacturing Services, he is eager to expand his knowledge of utility operations and engineering systems.
• Leah Waddell — Public Relations. Leah earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science this spring from Appalachian State University. She is currently beginning work toward a Master of Public Administration from ASU. She brings strong communications and community engagement experience through her work with the Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina, where she has supported outreach initiatives, social media, newsletters, and public safety messaging.
• Kaelyn Leggett — Accounting and Finance. Kaelyn is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting at Appalachian State University. As President of the Beta Alpha Psi – Epsilon Kappa Chapter, she leads chapter initiatives, coordinates professional events, and works closely with accounting and finance organizations. She brings customer service and organizational skills as well as data tracking and reporting from several roles in the hospitality industry.

Blue Ridge Energy is proud to offer these opportunities for students to gain valuable, first‑hand experience while contributing to the cooperative’s mission of serving members and communities.

Blue Ridge Energy is a member‑owned electric cooperative serving approximately 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

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