The first cohort of Patrick & Henry Community College’s (P&HCC’s) powerline students were recognized on Thursday, December 14 in Patrick County with a graduation ceremony. Graduates were joined by family, friends and employers from Elliott and the City of Martinsville to celebrate their completion of the three-month course.
“We are very proud of these students who recently completed the inaugural cohort of the Power Line Worker training program in Patrick County. Through this innovative partnership with Wytheville Community College, P&HCC continues to expand training opportunities for career pathways that pay well and lead to economic mobility,” said Rhonda Hodges, P&HCC vice president of workforce, economic and community development.
Instructor Michael Morrison encouraged graduates to remember that their work in the program has been foundational for future cohorts as members of the class not only came to learn, but worked to help set up the pole yard that they and future students will use for training during the course.
Using curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the Power Line Worker curriculum addresses the fundamental aspects of power line work to ensure workers maintain safety for both the public and electrical crews. Power line workers install, remove, maintain, and repair high voltage and low-voltage distribution lines and associated equipment and facilities. Training topics include truck driving, safety, electrical theory, climbing techniques, aerial framing, rigging, and operating utility service equipment.
P&HCC’s second Power Line cohort will begin February 5. Those interested in participating in the program should call 276-656-0260.
