Press Release

Rep. Ami Bera (D–CA) welcomed Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Director Jason McAlister to Washington last week to help lead a discussion with Members of Congress on jobs, education, and vocational training. As the Co-Chair of the Access to Jobs Task Force, Rep. Bera invited Director McAlister to share his expertise leading SMUD's premier training program.

"SMUD's Power Academy offers Sacramento electrical workers quality training as well as a pathway to a fulfilling career," said Rep. Ami Bera. "Director McAlister's discussion with members of Congress highlighted the growing need for investment in these jobs. Programs like SMUD offer greater job security and lifelong career opportunities, and Jason emphasized the need to educate teachers, parents, and guidance counselors on the benefits of these programs. This discussion opened new avenues and understanding for other members of Congress. Accredited programs like SMUD help ensure workers learn the skills they need in these careers. We were very grateful to have Director McAlister's expertise today."

"I want to thank Representative Bera for inviting SMUD to participate in this discussion," said SMUD Director Jason McAlister. "We appreciate his leadership and service to our community, and are grateful to speak about SMUD's Power Academy and apprenticeship programs with Congress. For the past 70 years, SMUD has supplied affordable and reliable electricity to residents of Sacramento and is the sixth largest municipal utility in the country. There is a shortage of qualified electrical utility employees across the country. Programs like SMUD's Power Academy provide high quality vocational training to individuals preparing to enter the electric utility industry and we hope our model can be used elsewhere to provide good-paying jobs to other communities."

The Access to Jobs Task Force will help workers achieve their full potential by eliminating outdated barriers that impact local communities and expanding access to educational opportunities, including skills development, professional licensing, and apprenticeship training.