Phone: 800.279.2667 | Fax: 701.577.3777
The Power of Education
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Facility tours help educate community members about what it takes to bring you safe, reliable power.
The Power of Education
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Alex Vournas
General Manager
One of the most important responsibilities for Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) is ensuring we are prepared not just for today, but for the future. In an industry that continues to advance, education
and training are not optional. They are essential for the safe and reliable service our members expect and deserve.
Education and training have always been at the heart of the cooperative model. From the earliest days, when our rural neighbors banded together to bring electricity to their communities, training has been the foundation of progress. Today, that same commitment to learning helps us navigate new technologies, evolving regulations and growing member demands, while staying true to our mission to serve.
For our employees, ongoing training ensures we maintain the highest standards of safety and dependability. Lineworkers, engineers and many more within the cooperative, regularly
participate in technical training to stay current on equipment, procedures and safety practices. This investment protects not only our workforce, but also the members and communities we serve. When the co-op team is well trained, they are better equipped to prevent and respond to outages and maintain a reliable electric system.
Education is equally important for leadership. Our management team as well as our board of directors participate in educational courses to strengthen their governance skills, understand industry trends and make informed decisions that benefit the cooperative long term. From financial oversight to strategic planning, an informed leadership team helps safeguard transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of cooperative resources.
Training also plays a key role in overall employee development and retention. By offering educational opportunities to learn and grow, we empower our staff to build meaningful careers within the cooperative. Through apprenticeships and certifications to professional development programs, our staff is able to expand skills while strengthening
the cooperative from within. An educated and motivated workforce will directly translate to better service to you, our members.
Education even extends to our members and the communities we serve. By providing information about energy efficiency, safety and more, we are able to help members make informed decisions and stay engaged with their cooperative. Education strengthens the connections between the cooperative and our members, reinforcing the values of participation, transparency and
shared responsibility.
Programs and events, such as the Youth Tour, scholarships, job shadowing, facility tours, booths at local events and more, allow MWEC to team up with the community to empower everyone to share their knowledge with others and strengthen connections.
The energy industry will continue to advance and change, but one thing remains constant: Education is power. By investing in education and training, we are investing in your cooperative to operate safely, lead responsibly, and serve our members with confidence today and for generations to come.