Kennedy Attends UI and SCG Trade Internship Graduation

TRUMBULL – State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford/Orange) attended the 2026 Trade Internship Program graduation ceremony hosted by United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) on Wednesday, August 19, at the United Illuminating Training Yard in Trumbull.

The program provides local high school and community college students with hands-on experience and exposure to skilled trade careers in the electric and natural gas utility industries. Throughout the internship, students worked alongside experienced field employees, union leaders, and operations teams while gaining valuable insight into careers that offer rewarding alternatives to the traditional four-year college path.

Kennedy has supported efforts to strengthen Connecticut’s workforce and expand opportunities for students to pursue careers outside the traditional four-year college route. This includes legislation aimed at improving access to workforce-development resources and strengthening Connecticut’s pipeline of skilled workers.

Kennedy praised UI and SCG for investing in the next generation of Connecticut’s skilled workforce.

“Connecticut needs more opportunities like this that connect young people with good-paying careers, and the skills employers need,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Not every student needs to follow the same path, and the skilled trades provide tremendous opportunities for a fulfilling career. We should continue making sure students know that a successful career can begin with hands-on training, an apprenticeship or a technical education.”

Kennedy said programs like the UI and SCG Trade Internship are particularly valuable because they allow students to experience the trades firsthand before making decisions about their future.

The graduation ceremony highlighted the students’ accomplishments and the skills, training and career awareness they gained through the program.