Last Updated on July 28, 2026 1:48 pm
Blue Ridge Energy is welcoming seven interns this summer who are gaining hands-on experience across the electric cooperative's system, including Mason Harris, who is working in the Watauga District.
Each intern is working alongside experienced professionals to learn the skills, responsibilities and cooperative values that power the co-op's communities. Blue Ridge Energy's internship program offers students meaningful, real-world exposure to the electric utility industry. Positions are traditionally posted each February on the cooperative's careers page, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently attending, or preparing to further, their education. Internship opportunities vary year to year, with past roles including mechanics, vegetation management, IT and engineering, in addition to this year's operations, public relations, accounting and system operations positions.
Interns also go through a rigorous recruiting and interview process with the cooperative and with the help of Foothills Employment agency of Lenoir. They also have the opportunity to meet with the cooperative's senior leadership team and Board of Directors, where they share insights about their internship experience and their career goals.
Operations Interns
These interns are working directly with line crews, learning the fundamentals of safety, equipment and the essential work that keeps power flowing to members every day:
- Gavin Frasure — Caldwell District. Gavin brings practical work experience and a strong service background, including maintaining operations at a car wash and years of volunteer work helping serve meals and support those in need. Known for his dependability and work ethic, he is drawn to the physical, outdoor nature of line work and is eager to learn by doing.
- Mason Harris — Watauga District. Mason's customer-focused background in retail and food service has shaped his strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. He enjoys hands-on challenges and is motivated to pursue a physically demanding career path like line work.
- Henry “Cole” Treva — Ashe District. Cole brings meaningful outdoor and equipment-based experience, from working cattle to assisting concrete crews. He has demonstrated the ability to work outdoors, operate equipment safely and contribute as part of a team. His long-term goal is to become a line technician and serve his local community.
- Ty Little — Alleghany District. Ty joins the team with direct electrical experience as a working electrician for residential and commercial projects. He aims to build on his foundation, pursue his electrical license and take on the challenge of high-voltage line work.
Corporate Office Interns
- Jackson Keith — System Operations Center. An Ashe County native, Jackson is pursuing a degree in Sustainable Technology/Renewable Energy Technology at Appalachian State University. With experience in automated systems and industrial maintenance in his role as an industrial maintenance technician with Global Manufacturing Services, he is eager to expand his knowledge of utility operations and engineering systems.
- Leah Waddell — Public Relations. Leah earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, with a minor in Political Science, this spring from Appalachian State University. She is currently beginning work toward a Master of Public Administration from ASU. She brings strong communications and community engagement experience through her work with the Children's Center of Northwest North Carolina, where she has supported outreach initiatives, social media, newsletters and public safety messaging.
- Kaelyn Leggett — Accounting and Finance. Kaelyn is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting, at Appalachian State University. As president of the Beta Alpha Psi Epsilon Kappa Chapter, she leads chapter initiatives, coordinates professional events and works closely with accounting and finance organizations. She brings customer service and organizational skills, as well as data tracking and reporting experience, from several roles in the hospitality industry.
Blue Ridge Energy is proud to offer these opportunities for students to gain valuable, first-hand experience while contributing to the cooperative's mission of serving members and communities.
Blue Ridge Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative serving approximately 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Avery and Alexander counties. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.
