EPCE Learner Success Story: Steve Larochelle

Steve Larochelle

Associate of applied science in electric power technology 

It’s never too late to start down a new career path. Just look at Steve, who originally earned a degree in gemology and spent 20 years in the jewelry business, but then decided it was time for a change. He looked to a career in energy, and has been with Eversource for nearly a decade. He started in construction services customer support, where he acted as a liaison between contractors and engineers for residential and commercial projects. “I was mostly an “at home” worker, and I was looking to move into something that enabled me to get out of the office and into fresh air more. I had also reached the peak of what that position could offer and wanted to move into a position that provided more opportunities for growth and advancement,” he said.

Steve was aware of the online electric power technology program through Bismarck State College (BSC) because of Eversource’s membership in EPCE (Energy Providers Coalition for Education), a national nonprofit industry alliance of energy utility employers and organizations that develop, sponsor, and promote quality, standardized online education, such as the BSC program developed in partnership with EPCE. Steve also noted, “I would not have been able to pursue the degree had it not been for Eversource’s tuition reimbursement program. It was a no-brainer to take advantage of the education benefit they offered.”

This was Steve’s first experience with online education. He admitted he wasn’t “a young college-aged kid,” but was impressed with how easy the logistics of online education were. “The whole process [registration, accessing classes, submitting assignments, communicating with professors, etc.] was very easy and smooth and I adapted well. You do have to be motivated to complete the assignments and understand the time commitment necessary to succeed,” he said. He completed his degree in December of 2024.

Steve credits his pursuit of his degree to helping him earn his new position as a field electrician III, which he began in January 2025. His current role is more of an apprenticeship role, but he enjoys working in substations and on equipment wherever maintenance is needed, as it enables him to be outside more. “In the short term, my degree helped me transition to a more favorable position, and in the long run, the knowledge I gained will provide more opportunities for growth and earnings potential, as I can move into a field electrician II, field electrician I, and then specialist.”