Hands-On Heroes: Celebrating Tampa Electric’s Skilled Tradespeople

Every September, on the third Friday of the month, National Tradesmen Day shines a light on the skilled men and women who keep our communities running. Their work keeps the systems and structures we rely on strong and dependable. This Friday (Sept. 19), we honor the professionals who repair our roads, maintain our water systems and keep the lights on. That includes the talented tradespeople at Tampa Electric who work every day to deliver safe, reliable power to our customers.

Meet Combined Cycle Specialist Mike Torres, a Polk Power Station team member who leads by example as a Union Steward and supports his team every day. Below he shares insights on why he loves what he does, how he got into the field and advice for young professionals considering a career in the trades.

Mike Torres out in the field!

What does your job as a Combined Cycle Specialist at Polk Power Station involve? What does a "day in the life" look like?

As a combined cycle specialist at Polk Power Station, no two days look the same. Some days I'll spend my whole shift in the control room running the plant, watching the systems and making sure everything is operating the way it should. Other days, I'm out in the field working side by side with other mechanics - purging generators, preparing for outages, hanging tags or tackling whatever comes up. That might mean pulling a pump, repairing a valve or piping leak or even fixing acid leaks. Basically, if something needs to be operated, checked or repaired, we take care of it. The role is a mix of plant operations and hands-on craft work, which keeps things interesting and makes every day a little different.

How did you get into this line of work? What drew you to the trades?

I've always known I wanted to work with my hands, but I never imagined I'd end up as both an operator and a mechanic. Stepping into this combined role has really given me a different perspective on the work - not just fixing equipment but also understanding how the whole plant runs and how everything ties together.

What's one accomplishment or experience you're especially proud of?

What I feel most accomplished and proud of is the career I've built as a tradesman. Back when I was graduating high school, people often said that if you didn't go to college, you'd never amount to much, and choosing the trades was looked down on. But the reality is, I've made a good living in this line of work. I've been able to put a roof over my family's head, send my kids to college and never have to worry about where the next paycheck is coming from. That stability and knowing I'll be able to retire comfortably someday soon, is what I'm most proud of.

As a Union Steward, what does that role mean to you, and how do you support your coworkers through it?

Being a Union Steward means standing up for my coworkers and making sure the contract is followed. It's about keeping things fair, safe and making sure everyone has someone in their corner if there's an issue.

I support my coworkers by listening to their concerns, answering questions and stepping in when something needs to be addressed. At the end of the day, it's about having each other's backs and making sure the job gets done right while we're all treated with respect.

Mike's role as a Combined Cycle Specialist combines fieldwork with overseeing plant operations. Here, he is pictured in the control room of Polk Power Station.

If someone were considering a career in the trades, what advice would you give them?

If you're looking to get into the trades - whether it's as a millwright, electrician, instrument and controls tech, or any other craft - my advice is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The work can be tough, but it's honest, hands-on and it gives you skills that will always be in demand. Don't get discouraged if others look down on the trades - the truth is, this kind of work builds a solid career, a good living and a lot of pride in what you do. Show up every day ready to work hard, ask questions and learn from the people around you, and you'll go far.