The co-operative engineering program at Jackson Energy Authority offers excellent opportunities for real-world experience for engineering students.  During my time at JEA, I was able to learn several different computer programs (AutoCAD, AS400, etc.) and use them in completing electrical schematics that I had designed.  I also learned technical aspects of electrical power engineering which reinforced the concepts I had learned in school.  Co-ops are also given exposure to the many different sides of an engineering project.  On several occasions I saw a project from initial surveying, through the computer schematic design, the cost estimation stage, and finally to construction.  The year I spent at JEA developed my technical and management skills in a way not possible in a summer internship.  I believe that participation in this program places an engineering student far ahead of one's peers for beginning a career in utility engineering.

- Will Trautman, Union University

My co-operative experience at JEA far exceeded my expectations of a co-op program.  I learned how to apply principles learned in school to actual real world applications.  At the end of my co-op term, I felt prepared to enter the workplace as an engineer.  I was very pleased with my overall co-op experience at JEA.”

- Leslie Carrington, University of Tennessee at Martin

“JEA’s co-op program was very well organized and the engineers were very experienced.  They assigned me real engineering duties and provided me with the tools and technology to complete each task.  JEA has prepared me to enter the engineering workforce with the confidence and capability to take any engineering task I am assigned and exceed all expectations.”

- Stuart Scott, University of Tennessee at Martin