Pineville, La. – Today, in honor of Professional Engineers Day, Cleco recognizes the licensed professional engineers (PEs) working across the company. 

To become a PE one must graduate from an accredited engineering school, pass a fundamentals of engineering exam, work in an engineering discipline under a licensed engineer for four years and, finally, pass a second exam related to their specific engineering discipline, state engineering laws and ethics rules. 

“The road to becoming a licensed professional engineer is a rigorous process,” said Mike Bares, general manager of transmission and distribution and licensed PE.  “I liken it to an accountant becoming a certified public accountant (CPA).  It takes education, experience and an examination.  Plus, PEs must participate in 15 hours of continued education every year to stay current in their fields and maintain their license.” 

Cleco supports its engineers in their quest to become PEs by covering the costs of course materials and fees associated with professional testing.   Furthermore, through Cleco’s Education Reimbursement Program, financial assistance is offered to all employees - including engineers - for tuition, fees and textbooks for courses taken that are related to their technical expertise or their current job.    

“Cleco understands the value of education,” said Jeff Ryan, manager of employment and employee relations.  “We are supporters of student development in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, but we don’t stop there.  We believe it’s just as important for our employees to continue their education which is why Cleco employees are eligible on day one of employment to participate in Cleco’s Education Reimbursement Program.” 

In addition to educational opportunities, the career opportunities for PEs at Cleco are vast.  You will find them in power plants, construction management, transmission and distribution, environmental, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and transmission reliability departments.  Within the different departments there are a variety of engineering disciplines represented, like civil, chemical, electrical, industrial and mechanical.

“We value all of the engineers who serve throughout our company, and that appreciation is reflected in the opportunities for education and career growth,” said Ryan.  “We are always working to encourage students to consider engineering as a field of study and then to consider Cleco as an employer.”