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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 possess the skills for employment in various electrical utility industries.

Due to 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. For individuals who were not able to attend the ceremony, you may view the videotaped ceremony on the College’s Facebook channel at https://www.facebook.com/stanlycommunitycollege.

During the graduation ceremony, Dr. John Enamait, president of Stanly Community College, welcomed the graduates and thanked the special guests for attending. He encouraged the students to continue to learn, work hard and to stay safe in their new careers.

Associate Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing, Industry, Technology, and Trades Devin Baucom recognized the faculty and staff who helped the graduates complete their training.

SCC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Jeff Parsons acknowledged the scholarship funding that made it possible for many of the students to be able to take the Electrical Lineworker program. Every student received some form of scholarships. More than $8,000 in scholarship funding was awarded.

Electrical Lineworker Program Head Ricky Carpenter congratulated the students 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.

“We hired 15 guys today, and we continue to hire line workers every week. This is a very prosperous industry.”

Karen Kiker, continuing education coordinator and faculty associate, gave the invocation, and was instrumental in preparing the graduation ceremony for the students.

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.

According to ESMI Data (www.economicmodeling.com), medium yearly income in this region for Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers is $63,006, and future job growth is expected to reach 1,059 jobs by 2026.

For more information about the Electrical Lineworker program, contact Karen Kiker at (704) 991-0233 or kkiker7483@stanly.edu or visit the College’s website at www.stanly.edu.