At IPCO, we’re committed to building a future-ready workforce by providing hands-on experience, practical training, and real-world opportunities in the skilled trades. We welcome driven, career-focused students who are ready to apply their knowledge, develop in-demand skills, and contribute to a growing industry. Together, we’re shaping a strong, skilled, and innovative trade workforce.
Recently, two team members spent the day at Hillcrest High School participating in a career fair. As we handed out IPCO swag—think fun pens and hard hat-shaped stress balls—we also shared our journey, one rooted in mentorship, on-the-job learning, and the adventure of building a meaningful career in the trades.
We’re on the lookout for bright, motivated individuals to join our team. We typically open internship and apprenticeship applications at the beginning of each school year. These positions are available for current students and recent high school graduates. Interested? You can learn more and apply here.
One common misconception we tackle at these events is the idea that you need a wealth of experience to become part of IPCO. Not true! As our newest team member, Nell, articulately puts it, “We aren’t just looking for skilled tradesmen and women or individuals with impressive resumes. We also need people with TNT traits – Takes No Talent. It takes no talent to show up on time, support your teammates, and bring a positive attitude. If someone has these traits, we can teach them everything else.” We feel passionate about communicating viable career paths right out of high school that give students an opportunity to figure out what they love (or don’t love). A career in the trades offers students a different path and an opportunity to learn a life skill.
It’s incredible how many of our skilled professionals started without any prior experience in electrical work. What they brought to the table was sheer curiosity and a willingness to get their hands dirty while learning something new.
Our participation in career fairs is vital, building our talent pipeline while elevating awareness about careers in trades. These careers offer job stability and pathways for growth—often without the need for a college degree—presenting students with real alternatives for their futures. We have also participated in career fairs at Fountain Inn High School and events with LaunchGVL, an initiative by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce focused on career readiness and hands-on opportunities for students.
Career fairs also allow us to engage with our community, connecting with students who will soon become a valuable part of our local workforce. Investing in youth is important to us at IPCO, and we are continually amazed at the diversity of applicants. You never know who might strike up a conversation or what life story you will hear next. We also enjoy connecting with other businesses in our community and learning how they serve our communities.
And the conversations we have with students? They go both ways. We enjoy learning from them and listening to them share their dreams and passions. “Talking with students allows me the opportunity to explain what we do,” says Nell. “Every time I explain what we do, from digging ditches to pulling wire, I understand this trade more and more.”
While many students already knew the direction they want to go, others showed real interest in pursuing opportunities at IPCO. Many students were amazed they could begin working full-time the day after graduation as long as they show up with a can-do attitude.
At IPCO, we value initiative, innovation, responsibility, and community. Events like these help us practice our core values, from being proactive in finding talent to engaging youth in our community.
If you are interested, make sure you mark your calendar for when these applications open. We always have positions open for people with varying levels of experience from interns and apprentices to project managers and superintendents. You can learn more about open positions on our Careers Page.
