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Students at Stanly Community College (SCC) recently completed their 12-week training program for the Electrical Lineworker certificate. The Electrical Lineworker program teaches students basic elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power systems, as well as transformer and meter installations. On successful completion of the program, students will possess the skills for employment in various electrical utility industries.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a graduation ceremony was held outside the Snyder Building, on the Albemarle campus. Family and friends remained in their vehicles in the Snyder Building parking lot and were able to watch the ceremony on the College’s Facebook Livestream page.

During the graduation ceremony, Jeff Parsons, SCC vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, welcomed the graduates and thanked the special guests for attending. Karen Kiker, continuing education coordinator and faculty associate, gave the invocation.

Devin Baucom, associate vice president, advanced manufacturing, industry, technology, and trades, recognized the faculty and staff who helped the graduates complete their training. He also announced this was SCC’s first Electrical Lineworker class where every student received a scholarship. Nearly $9,000 of scholarship funding was awarded.

Ricky Carpenter, electrical lineworker program head, delivered words of safety and encouragement to the graduates as they journey into rewarding careers and wished them much success.

Guest speaker Donnie Jessup, regional safety superintendent, Utility Lines Construction Services, LLC, spoke to the graduates about their career and safety.

“When you are out in the field, always think about your safety, think about your coworker’s safety, never leave your guard down and think safety first,” he said.

SCC President Dr. Enamait, along with Parsons and Baucom, conferred the graduates with their certificate of completion.

The November 2020 Electrical Lineworker graduates and the scholarships they received include:

• Gunner Brown of Badin, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Bridge to Career Workforce Development Scholarship and the
Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund through the
Federal CARES Act.

• Mason Davis of West End, GEER

• Juan Garcia of Staley, GEER

• Samuel Hinson of Oakboro, GEER

• Asheton House of Albemarle, GEER

• Holden Icenhour of Mt. Pleasant, SECU and GEER

• Mason Lamperski of Midland, GEER

• Jalen Long of Norwood, Will Hughes Heritage Scholarship and Golden LEAF Scholarship

• Avery Owens of Polkton, Golden LEAF Scholarship and GEER

• Bryan Tinoco-Reyes of Seagrove, Golden LEAF Scholarship and GEER

• Matthew Watts of Norwood, GEER

• Justis Williams of Eagle Springs, SCC Occupational Extension Scholarship and GEER

• Jared Yates of Concord, SECU and GEER

Electrical utility lineworkers and technicians will typically do the following: drive work vehicles to job sites; install, maintain or repair the power lines that move and distribute electricity; identify defective devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers and switches; inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.

Additionally, they will string power lines between poles and buildings; climb poles and use truck-mounted buckets to get to equipment; operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, and lines; and follow safety standards and procedures. Training also includes OHSA 10-Hour Construction Certificate and CPR/First Aid Training Certificate, among other topics.