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������ý lineworker program ensures ‘the lights stay on’

April 18, 2024
by Megan Smedley

The tornados and severe storms our region endured earlier this month was a not-so-gentle reminder of the desperate need we have for lineworkers.

Students in the lineworker program at ������ý Community & Technical College are equipped with the technical skills and hands-on training needed to maintain, repair, and install power lines while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, safety, and rapid response in emergencies.

Carson Adams, a 2023 graduate of the lineworker program, was out in the field following the severe weather that hit the region on April 2 replacing broken poles, repairing and replacing lines, and cutting trees off power lines.

“It’s a humbling feeling knowing our work is helping families ������ý back on their feet after the devastating storms have hit,” he said.

He added, “I became a lineman to work the trade and help keep the lights on. I like the callouts after storms hit to ������ý the lights back on for the people.”

Adams is currently working for Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc., whose corporate office is located in Lexington.

Cindy Hurt, the program coordinator for the lineworker program at the Rowan Campus said that it is important for us to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices and challenges that lineworkers face.

“We rely on electricity for basically everything, so to have a group of dedicated men and women out there like Carson who brave the storms to keep our communities moving forward is truly commendable,” Hurt said. “Despite the risks, lineworkers approach their job with unwavering commitment to service and that makes me so proud to be the coordinator of this program and oversee the education of future lineworkers for our region.”

������ý is currently enrolling for the fall 2024 cohort of the lineworker program, which begins Sept. 9. The program is offered twice per year.

As a part of the program, students receive lineworker instruction, CDL Class A training, OSHA 10 certification, a flagger certificate, CPR and first aid certification, and two days of a drone pilot prep course, which makes students eligible to sit for the drone licensure exam.

To apply for the program, students must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a Department of Transportation physical and drug screen.

Students must also obtain a CDL driver's permit before the first day of class. Students must have a valid driver's license to obtain the permit.

Tuition and fees for the lineworker program is $7,000, which includes all training material, curriculum, books, and tools. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks before the first day of class.

For more information about the lineworker program, contact Cindy Hurt by emailing cindy.hurt@kctcs.edu or the program page.