Grand Valley Power Opens Career Doors for Army Intern

by Tanya Marchun, Communications Specialist

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (Jan. 16, 2024) Josh Barela is no stranger to hard work. While serving in the United States Army for more than three years he faced numerous challenges, one of which was training at the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vermont. There he participated in tactical and technical training for mountain warfare and cold weather operations. Exercises consisted of rough terrain casualty evacuations, high-angle marksmanship and airborne training. Barela earned the Expert Infantryman Badge, which required him to demonstrate advanced infantry skills, including marksmanship, navigation, and fitness.

In preparation for the completion of his military service at the end of this month, Barela has spent the last 120 days continuing to work hard in the Army Career Skills Program with Grand Valley Power.

The program provides soldiers the opportunity to learn job skills that set them up for success as they transition back to civilian life. These skills are learned through internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and job shadowing. The CSP provides over 200 established internship opportunities in various fields and careers such as trades, information technology, truck driving, home building, and automotive repair. Service men and women can choose an organization in which to focus their training efforts if the organization is willing to sponsor them as an intern. The CSP continues to provide pay and benefits to service men and women during the program so that they can move into their new positions without a gap in benefits.

Grand Valley Power worked closely with CSP to provide an internship opportunity that has enabled Josh to learn first-hand what it takes to be a lineman. He has worked with our crews to gain valuable skills that he will use at the Electrical Line Worker Program at Northwest Line College in Denton, Texas in February. The threemonth Electrical Line Worker Program will prepare Josh for a lineman apprenticeship, making his transition back to civilian life seamless while providing job opportunities. “We are excited for Josh’s future,” said Tom Walch, Grand Valley Power CEO. “We are proud to support service men and women as they continue their sacrifice for our country and community.”