Wytheville Community College (WCC) will begin its new Underground Power Training Program on April 29. The program will provide an opportunity for individuals to complete an 8-week training program, earn industry-related credentials, and prepare them for employment with utility companies that provide underground service.

Students will have an opportunity to learn in a hands-on setting with utility equipment. Topics the class will cover include locating underground cables, splicing fiber optic cable, loading and unloading equipment, installing transformers and meter boxes, and learning about industry safety.

“There is an increased demand for underground utility construction,” says Mike Morrison, WCC’s Underground Power Instructor, “especially with potential careers in telecommunications and electrical service. Companies are looking to recruit students from WCC’s Underground Power Training class because of the skill set they will acquire.”

Much of electrical service will be moved from overhead distribution lines to underground lines where they may be less prone to outages due to storms. Other companies are also moving overhead lines to underground to improve aesthetics.

Many localities in Virginia are investing in fiber-optic network infrastructure, and this will likely create a significant increase in job demand. A Deloitte Consulting report suggests that the United States will need to invest heavily in fiber optic infrastructure to keep up with the demand for high-speed internet.

Financial assistance may be available to help interested students pay for the Underground Power Training Program. For more information, contact Vicki Marrs at (276) 223-4717 or at vmarrs@wcc.vccs.edu. 

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