Nico Cipollini, a graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) class of 2016, has forged an impressive career path. His journey from high school student to Transmission System Operator at Valley Electric Association (VEA) is a testament to his hard work and the support he received along the way.
Reflecting on his time at PVHS, Nico fondly recalls the weeks leading up to graduation and the ceremony itself. “All of the hard work in class, at home, working on homework, and studying for exams finally paid off at the end of my four years at PVHS. I remember being so overwhelmed with joy and pride walking across the graduation stage with my friends and peers,” he shares. As a family-oriented person, having numerous family members in town to celebrate his achievement made the moment even more special.
Nico’s career journey began in the summer between his junior and senior years at PVHS when he worked as a part-time paid intern with VEA’s engineering and IT departments. This experience opened his eyes to alternatives beyond the traditional university path. After graduating from high school, Nico expressed his interest in continuing with VEA, and a few months later, he was offered a job as an Apprentice Transmission System Operator. Completing the apprenticeship program at an accelerated rate, Nico attributes much of his success to his coworkers and supervisors who mentored him along the way. Today, Nico continues to work for VEA, ensuring reliable power delivery to all members in VEA’s service territory.
“Being a system operator was never a career I considered until it was presented to me shortly after I graduated high school,” Nico explains. “Once I was familiarized with what the job entailed, I was extremely interested in this career, and I’ve loved it ever since.” This career path led him to Bismarck State College, where he earned an Associates of Applied Science in Electrical Transmission Systems Technology.
One of Nico’s most significant achievements in his professional life was passing the NERC exam at a young age. “Without the NERC Certificate, I would be unable to operate high voltage electrical systems,” he notes. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) develops standards and certifications for system operators to ensure the reliability and security of the power grid. Being only 26 years old with eight years of electrical system operating experience is rare, and Nico takes pride in his unique position within the industry.
Nico credits his father, a long-time lineman at VEA, and his mother for their significant influence on his career and personal development. “My dad’s example of a sustainable and rewarding career and my mom’s hardworking demeanor instilled many important traits in me,” he says. These influences have helped Nico navigate the challenges of his career, such as working long hours and balancing personal life with professional responsibilities.
In his role, Nico has learned the importance of listening and understanding, particularly in high-stakes environments where the smallest miscommunication can have severe consequences. “Attentiveness and comprehension are imperative not only in my line of work but in any job,” he emphasizes.
For those aspiring to follow a similar career path, Nico recommends showing an interest in science classes, particularly physics, and considering studies in electrical engineering or a related field. Reflecting on his own journey, Nico says, “Ben Veloz was one of my middle school science teachers, and I owe a lot of my interest in the subject due to his phenomenal work as a mentor in my younger years.” He emphasizes the importance of extreme attention to detail and proficiency in multitasking. Additionally, Nico suggests participating in sports to learn valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and dedication to a common goal. “Focus and concentration are two mental aspects that both sports and my career share. It builds good habits such as work ethic and time management skills but also teaches you how to be resilient and overcome challenges.”
Outside of work, Nico enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Courtney, also a PVHS alumna, and his parents. He has a keen interest in sports, particularly football, hockey, golf, and motorsports. Living in Pahrump allows him to enjoy the outdoors and participate in activities like hiking and exploring national parks.
Despite the demanding nature of his job, Nico strives to maintain a work-life balance. His schedule of seven days on and seven days off allows him to enjoy extended weekends, though it requires patience and understanding from his loved ones.
Looking to the future, Nico aims to take on leadership and supervisory roles within VEA while continuing to learn and develop his skills. He also aspires to retire at a young age to focus on personal projects and family life.
Nico is excited about the growth and changes in the United States’ power infrastructure, driven by renewable energy policies. He remains committed to giving back to the community through VEA’s initiatives, such as school supply drives and holiday donations.
Nico maintains a strong connection with PVHS by keeping up with the sports teams through their achievements in the paper and attending games from time to time. He also keeps in touch with a handful of former teachers. Looking to the future, Nico hopes to volunteer his time as a coach for PVHS’ track and field team when his work schedule allows.
Reflecting on his journey, Nico is grateful for the opportunities Pahrump has provided him. “Being able to continue to live in Pahrump and work for Valley Electric has allowed me to give back and serve our community, ultimately making Pahrump a better place for all,” he says. Nico’s story is a shining example of the positive impact that dedication, hard work, and community support can have on an individual’s life and career.
