By: Jasmine West
When students at Randolph Career Technical Center begin exploring careers in energy and the skilled trades, Patricia ‘Pat’ LeBlanc wants them to understand the full range of possibilities available to them.
That includes careers in electrical line work, gas operations, renewable energy, information technology, corporate services and other positions that can provide a pathway into the energy industry.
As the energy trades program manager at Randolph, LeBlanc has spent her first year in the classroom helping students connect their interests and skills to careers they may pursue after graduation. Her work includes arranging employer visits, field trips, hands-on demonstrations, career preparation programs and opportunities for students to meet professionals working across the skilled trades.
“I am doing my best to expose them to all of these wonderful careers in energy and beyond,” LeBlanc said. “You can make a really good career in energy, and there are a lot of possibilities.”
LeBlanc joined Randolph after retiring from DTE Energy in 2024. During her career with the company, she worked with Randolph to help establish the energy trades program. When the teaching position later became available, she was asked whether she would consider returning to the program in a new role.
“I feel very blessed to be here and like it’s where I’m supposed to be,” she said.
The energy trades program is now entering its fourth year. Although the program has a strong focus on preparing students for electrical line worker careers, students also learn about gas operations, renewable energy, tree trimming, corporate positions and other roles connected to the energy sector.
LeBlanc said one of her central responsibilities is helping students identify careers that align with how they want to work.
“Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like to be outside? Would a skilled trades position indoors be better for you?” she said. “It’s about giving them the whole gamut and trying to guide them toward what would be a good fit.”
That exposure extended beyond the classroom this spring when LeBlanc accompanied a Randolph student to the Michigan Tradeswomen Summit in Detroit. The Saturday event brought together women working in and pursuing careers throughout the skilled trades.
The student was able to connect with representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, plumbers unions, operating engineers and other industry organizations.
“She loved it and made so many connections,” LeBlanc said. “It was wonderful.”
The experience gave the student direct access to professionals who could answer questions about apprenticeships, union careers, training requirements and the steps needed to enter traditionally male-dominated fields.
LeBlanc also helped 10 Randolph students participate in DTE Energy’s Careers and Preparation for Employment program during the week of June 22. The students spent four days at DTE’s Detroit headquarters working with company employees and employer partners.
Throughout the program, students practiced interviewing, developed elevator pitches and polished their resumes. Employers including Walker-Miller Energy Services, Corby Energy Services and other industry partners met with students and conducted interviews on the final day.
LeBlanc said eight of the 10 Randolph students received some form of opportunity, including potential employment or additional training.
“That was a big deal, and I was so proud of the students for being there,” she said.
The experience allowed students to move beyond reading about careers and begin presenting themselves directly to employers. They were able to practice professional communication, ask questions and receive feedback from people making hiring and training decisions.
Those opportunities are part of Detroit Public Schools Community District’s continued effort to prepare students for college, careers and life after high school. At Randolph, career and technical education programs allow students to develop practical skills while learning about apprenticeships, certifications, employment opportunities and post-secondary education.
LeBlanc said students need both technical instruction and an understanding of what employers expect.
Inside Randolph’s energy trades classroom, students learn through demonstrations, guest speakers and equipment that reflects what they may encounter in the field.
DTE line workers and underground line workers have visited the school to speak about their careers. During one visit, employees brought a bucket truck to Randolph and worked directly with students.
The students also led the visitors on a tour of their classroom and explained what they had been learning.
“It was student-led, and that was awesome,” LeBlanc said.
The classroom also includes a commercial driver’s license simulator. Although students do not earn a CDL through the program, the simulator introduces them to the skills and knowledge associated with commercial driving.
That early exposure can be especially valuable for students interested in becoming electrical line workers because applicants are generally expected to obtain a CDL before entering many line worker positions.
“They learn about the importance of having a CDL and how that can help them advance,” LeBlanc said. “They get to practice, and they would be a step ahead when they go to get their CDL.”
DTE Energy sponsors Randolph’s energy trades program and remains involved through its advisory team, chaired by DTE representative John Johnson. That partnership helps connect classroom instruction with current industry practices and career requirements.
For LeBlanc, the transition from DTE employee to Randolph educator has given her an opportunity to pass along what she learned during her career while helping students build their own professional paths.
She said she was especially impressed by her students during her first year of teaching and by the range of opportunities available throughout Randolph and DPSCD.
“I had the most awesome students this year,” LeBlanc said. “I was very impressed with the caliber of students and very impressed with Randolph and DPSCD in general. There are so many opportunities given to these students, and they appreciate it.”
Whether she is accompanying a student to a skilled trades summit, organizing a visit from industry professionals or helping students prepare for interviews, LeBlanc’s goal remains the same: to make sure Randolph students understand that there are careers available to them and that they can begin preparing for those careers now.
“It means the world to me,” she said. “I feel truly blessed to be here.”
