Workforce Development: Interns to Full-Time Employees at Pika Energy
Pika Energy in Westbrook, Maine, focuses on wind and solar energy technology, including scalable options for homeowners and small businesses. Ben Polito, president of Pika Energy, talked about his company’s interest with UMaine:
How long have you worked with the University of Maine?
We have been involved with UMaine through the Innovate for Maine Fellows program. We have had interns each summer since the start of the program, and we have hired two of them so far for full-time positions, with a third starting this summer. We build highly technical products that require specific skills, and the intern program is a great way to get to know innovative young people and learn if there is a fit.
Are you able to provide an an example or two on your experience?
Our intern from the first year, Tony Nuzzo, was an engineering student from Orono, and he had great hands-on experience that helped him to get up to speed quickly. When he graduated, we offered him a full-time job and now he is leading our Quality/Customer Experience Department.