Lineworker Academy

from Opportunities: The President's Report 2021

Mission

Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and First Mini Rodeo

Columbia State hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy program offered through the college’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education along with hosting the first Mini Rodeo that allowed students to demonstrate the skills they learned during the sevenweek program.

Throughout the course, participants climbed poles, obtained first aid training, earned an OSHA 10-hour safety card, earned a flagging certification and prepared to test for a commercial driver’s license.

“This program is designed to train people with the necessary skills to enter the profession as apprentice lineworkers with power companies,” said Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State vice president of Williamson Campus and external services. “The program and the pole yard is all a culmination of efforts from across the region.”

The pole yard is maintained through a partnership with Columbia Power and Water Systems.

“In today’s economic climate, it is very important that industry and education come together to meet workforce needs,” said Scott Dahlstrom, CPWS president/CEO. “I think I can safely speak on behalf of all of the partners that are involved in this program, and everyone that represents our industry, in saying that we will be supporting this program for many years to come.”

In addition to CPWS, Duck River Utilities, GRESCO Utility Supply, Lawrenceburg Utilities, Lewisburg Electric System, Meriwether Lewis Electric, Mt. Pleasant Power System, Nashville Electric Service, Smithville Electric and TVPPA provided donations to help start the program.

“This is a regional program with regional companies coming together to provide a program that will serve the industry, but most importantly, serve students in obtaining a career,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “This program meets a need for students seeking a wonderful career.”

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, cuts the ribbon celebrating the kickoff of the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy alongside community sponsors and the program’s first cohort.