Submitted by Trenholm State Community College
MONTGOMERY – On Monday, Trenholm State Community College joined with representatives from Alabama Power, Alabama Rural Electric Association, Central Alabama Electric Co-Op and Dixie Electric Co-op to sign a memorandum of understanding launching the college’s newest program. The new program will train individuals to work as electric utility line workers.
“Trenholm State’s new lineworker training program is an exciting addition to the college’s workforce training efforts and will help individuals obtain well-paying jobs to make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Trenholm State Acting President Dr. Kemba Chambers. “I’m grateful to the Alabama Community College System and our utility partners for working alongside us as we develop this in demand program that will yield positive outcomes for the River Region.”
According to EMSI, there are more than 500 lineworker jobs available in the River Region with a median salary of $84,606.
“This program will be a gateway to a better future for our community because it opens doors to new opportunities for Montgomery area residents,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. “Those who enroll will receive advanced training that increases their access to great paying jobs and careers that benefit not only the graduates but also their families.”
Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean added, “This is an exciting day for Montgomery and the surrounding area as this program is desperately needed! Not only will graduates have a wonderful career ahead of them with a high paying salary, lineworkers are essential for all of our living. Lineworkers are part of the elite group known as first responders. When natural disaster strikes, they are one of the first on the scene putting their lives on the line. I am grateful to Trenholm and the utility companies having the vision to create such a valuable initiative as well as those who will complete the admirable lineworker training program.”
Students will learn the technical and safety skills required to gain employment as a utility lineworker, including pole climbing and working aloft, electricity, mechanized equipment, ladder safety, and commercial drivers’ license training. Additionally, students will learn essential skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, interpersonal skills, and CPR and first aid.
“We’re excited to work alongside Trenholm State and other utility partners to offer lineworker training in the Montgomery area,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services. “Through this program, students gain the skills and hands-on training needed for meaningful careers in our industry.”
Karl Rayborn, president and CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association, said, “AREA is excited about working with Trenholm to provide an introduction to a career that is full of job opportunities which allows the individual to work outdoors and grow both as an individual and professionally.”
Gary Harrison, president and CEO of Dixie Electric Cooperative, agreed. “As an employer in the community, we see this program as an incredible asset to both us and any local students who wish to pursue a career as a line worker,” he said. “We hope that having a school of this nature right in our back yard will offer us, and other electric utilities, a large pool of well qualified candidates for many years to come.”
“We welcome training that offers opportunity to introduce the next generation to the challenging and respected career of utility linework,” added Tom Stackhouse, president/CEO of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative.
Program participants must be 18 years of age or older and must have earned a high school diploma or GED. Eligibility will also be determined by the ability to meet essential job functions.
Applications for the program will be accepted from August 11 – September 1, 2021. The nine-week program will begin at Trenholm State’s Patterson location in January 2022. Classes will be 4-5 days per week for 10 hours a day. Program cost is approximately $4,150 (financial assistance and scholarships may be available.) Some students may be required to purchase additional safety equipment which ranges from $50-250. Interested individuals can visit this page for additional information, spots are limited.
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