September 4, 2026
Power in Partnership, the career-building alliance between Graves County Economic Development (GCED) and the Mayfield-Graves Area Technology Center (ATC) that brings professionals to the classroom to share their expertise and career advice, opened the 2026-2027 school year with a visit from Mayfield Electric & Water Services (MEWS) Linemen Geoffrey Beck and Rex Coleman to the ATC's upper-level electricity class.
"The linemen really captured the class's attention when they talked about the work they did to get the power back on in the aftermath of last week's devastating storms," said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. "They showed the students pictures of the damage they had to deal with and really emphasized the importance of always thinking about safety and being able to troubleshoot to identify the cause of an outage."
MEWS Electric Operations Manager Clint Woodward said he's pleased with the enthusiasm the ATC students have for careers in the electrical field. "Our industry is facing a growing need for qualified young employees to replace those who are retiring," Woodward explained. "The electrical trades are well-paid, usually come with good benefits, and offer young people a path to a very solid lifestyle. And with employment opportunities just about everywhere, it's a career that's flexible."
He said Beck and Coleman shared practical advice with the students about job opportunities, how they can take the next step with additional training or apprenticeships, and how to succeed once you land a job. "As a municipal utility, MEWS is focused on service, and Power in Partnership is one more way to put that commitment into action," Woodward added.
Mayfield Electric & Water Systems is a publicly owned utility serving 5000 customers in the city of Mayfield. MEWS provides customers with high-quality electric, water, wastewater, and internet services at the lowest possible prices. They are one of 153 local power providers in the TVA network.
"We are so grateful to companies like MEWS that are willing to be part of the program and invest in our students," said Heisner. As the program begins its third year, Heisner said the ATC is seeing the benefits add up. "Every time a student takes part in one of these presentations, it expands their thinking and helps them see a future that includes a rewarding career, right here at home. We're offering them a path to a better life and also helping build a strong, dedicated local workforce. Thanks to Graves County Economic Development for making this possible."
"We're excited to launch the third year of Power in Partnership with the ATC," said GCED President Jason Lemle. "We're seeing more ATC graduates step up and join the local workforce, in part because of the relationships forged through Power in Partnership, our companion program Community Connections, and the Internship Fair we started last year."
"But none of this would be possible without our dedicated business partners like Mayfield Electric & Water. We are so grateful for their support. Their staff show up for these students with enthusiasm and encouragement. They set a great example, and we truly appreciate everything they do."
The ATC's electrical technology program is designed to help prepare students for entry-level electrician positions in industry and the building trades. Students participate in layout, assembly, installation, testing, and maintenance of electrical circuits, apparatus, and residential wiring activities. Training involves electrical theory and electrical codes currently used in industry.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.
Visit the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center Website
With high expectations and strong partnerships, the ATC will actively engage all students in the mastery of academic and technical skills needed to be ready for college and a career. Our programs include Machine Tool, Welding, Electricity, Carpentry, Accounting, and Administrative Support. Our goal is to prepare students for their next steps by equipping them with skills and exposing them to as many career or college options as possible.
