Where Are They Now? PECO Workforce Development Participants Powering the Future

In celebration of Infrastructure Week (May 12–16), we’re spotlighting graduates of PECO’s Workforce Development programs who are making real contributions in the utility industry. These individuals began their journeys in our workforce development programs and have since launched into impactful roles. Their stories reflect the power of early exposure, mentorship, and hands-on training to build the energy workforce of tomorrow. This month we’re also proud to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the cultures, histories, and contributions of the AAPI community. Among the participants featured here, Johnathan Seng and Davion Pierce represent this heritage, bringing pride, purpose, and representation to the work they do every day.

Since its inception, PECO’s Workforce Development programs have hired more than 242 individuals and job seekers at PECO.

Anthony Derkacs — A Rising Star in the Sky

Chalfont, Bucks County | PECO Explorer Program, Junior Infrastructure Academy, and PECO Line School

At just 19 years old, Anthony Derkacs has already accomplished what many twice his age are still dreaming of. A graduate of Central Bucks South High School and a native of Chalfont in Bucks County, Derkacs’ journey with PECO began with a simple conversation, a family friend who worked at PECO told him about the PECO Explorers Program.

The Explorers Program is designed for youth ages 14 to 21 and focuses on personal growth, long-term goal setting, and exposing students to careers in energy and STEM. While still in high school, Derkacs participated and quickly became inspired by the professionals who mentored him, showing him that a future in utilities was not only possible, but it was also exciting.

A year later, Derkacs attended PECO’s Junior Infrastructure Academy, an interactive event designed to prepare junior and senior high school students with the skills they need to secure a career in the energy industry. There, he learned about high-skill craft positions like aerial and underground line mechanics, energy technicians, and gained hands-on experience with PECO crew members and preparation for professional exams. The program helped him see the tangible steps he could take toward a career in the utility industry and solidified his commitment to the field.

After graduating high school, and with 10 months of commercial electrician experience under his belt, Derkacs applied to become a Line School Apprentice at PECO. He was accepted and began the 42-month program in September 2024. Now, in his ninth month of training with a focus on aerial line work, Derkacs is the youngest apprentice in his class.

“I love that I get to help people,” said Derkacs. “It feels great knowing I can turn someone’s power back on and that gives me a purpose every morning when I get up for work.”

Whether he’s climbing poles or operating a bucket truck, Derkacs is doing what he loves and he’s just getting started.

Johnathan Seng — Serving His Country and His Community

North Philadelphia | Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program

For Johnathan Seng, the path to PECO began with a few conversations, first with his pastor through Timoteo, a nonprofit organization that supports youth through sports, and with a friend who had completed PECO’s Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

He was curious but didn’t apply right away. After graduating from Northeast High School, Seng joined the U.S Marine Corps Reserve as a Supply Administration Organizations Clerk, managing budgets and equipment for his unit. But even as he served his country, Seng couldn’t shake the feeling that he wanted to work in the utility industry.  “I’ve always loved hands-on jobs,” he says. “I started thinking seriously about a trade and what kind of future I wanted.”

In August 2024, Seng applied to the Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program and was accepted. He now works at PECO as a Helper, gaining first-hand experience on projects that introduce him to the utility field. Working daily alongside seasoned line workers, he’s gaining the knowledge, training, and confidence. This month, Seng accepted an Energy Technician role at PECO, and he is excited to begin his new chapter.

“I’m thankful PECO has these programs for people like me, people who were unsure about the next step,” Seng said. “It’s made a big impact on my life and career progression. I’m proud to serve my community in a new way, turning the lights back on for the place I call home.”

Davion Pierce — Pride in the Pipeline

Exton/Coatesville, PA | Helper Pre-Apprenticeship Program

From the football field at Coatesville Area Senior High School to the natural gas mains of Chester County, 19-year-old Davion Pierce is redefining what infrastructure means, and what it looks like.

Pierce first heard about the Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program through friends and family, and it felt like the right next step after high school. Though he initially thought he’d become a welder, even completing a welding internship, it was PECO’s opportunity that opened a new door.

Since joining in 2024, Pierce has rotated through crews in Gas Operations, helping install new mains, and new services, fixing leaks at a main or meter, engaging in emergency response, and learning what it takes to keep the community safe and operational. “This has been a great opportunity to get my foot in the door,” he said. “I take pride in what I do because I’m helping people feel safe and comfortable and that means a lot to me.”

Pierce now hopes to apply for a permanent gas mechanic role at PECO after completing the 14-week program. “If you work hard, you’ll see the outcomes,” he adds. “I’ve seen them firsthand.”