by
Rachel Hansen
| Apr 01, 2021
Pat Duffy credits Chelan PUD’s apprenticeship and continuing education program for her ascent from janitorial work to Powerplant Chief Operator. She studied as an apprentice wireman, and transferred to become an apprentice powerplant operator. She became a Chief Operator in 1998. She worked in the control room at Rock Island Dam and Rocky Reach Dam for over 25 years.
“I worked with a group of great people, and many of them tutored me along the way,” she said. “It was also rewarding to work for a company that produces clean, renewable hydropower.”
Her advice for young women considering the energy sector: “Always seek opportunities to learn. There’s always more to learn.”
Pat Duffy, left, explains control room technology to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) at Rocky Reach Dam in 2007.