"Our slogan is 'Rising to the Top.' Today, you are there," said Perry Hughes, WCC VP of Workforce and Occupational Programs, to WCC's 12th Power Line Worker graduating class. 

“Our slogan is ‘Rising to the Top.’ Today, you are there,” said Perry Hughes, Wytheville Community College (WCC) Vice President of Workforce and Occupational Programs, to WCC’s 12^th Power Line Worker Training graduating class. 

WCC celebrated the new group of power line workers in a graduation ceremony led by Hughes on the Wytheville campus on October 31, 2023. As of this class, approximately 233 students have successfully completed the power line worker training program at Wytheville Community College since its inception in 2017. Graduates walked across the stage to accept their certificates from Perry Hughes, Mike Morrison, Power Line Training Coordinator; Bill Reeves, CDL Instructor; and Power Line Instructors Jimmy Powers, Jason Thornton, and Tommy Jessup.   

Mike Morrison addressed the group of graduates offering this advice, “Your name means everything. Be the first one to be there and the last one to leave. If you are not early, you are late. If you give 100 percent, you can meet every life goal that you have. Also, be true to yourself. Make WCC proud. Represent WCC, your instructors, your classmates, and most importantly, yourselves.” 

Students that complete the program in 14 weeks gain certifications and the skills to become successful power line workers. Skills that these students learn include electrical theory, aerial framing, rigging, safety, commercial truck driving, and the use of utility service equipment.

WCC hosted the students and their families for breakfast before the ceremony. VP Perry Hughes welcomed the group of graduates and their families. He recognized the students’ hard work and congratulated them for “pursuing a better life.” He added, “Many don’t know that your instructor, Mr. Jimmy Powers, was one of WCC’s first power line students. Powers’ job which he had held for over 25 years was eliminated. Jimmy registered for the power line training class and pursued a new career that changed his life.” 

Hughes congratulated the group of graduates and complimented their bravery. “It’s not easy to get over the fear of climbing the heights that the profession asks of you. When Mr. Powers had to climb for the first time, he almost gave up. Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, and I convinced Jimmy that if we climbed first, then Powers could accomplish that, too.” Hughes and Dr. Sprinkle donned safety gear, climbed the poles, and Jimmy followed suit. 

“Relationships that you’ve made here are lifelong, and no one knows that better than Jimmy Powers. Treasure those relationships and know that this program will change your life. Today, the future belongs to you,” said Hughes.

WCC’s Power Line Worker program creates many life-changing opportunities for the citizens of the service region.

Cody Jennings, graduate of the class, also spoke to the group. Known for his positive attitude and joke-telling in the pole yard, Jennings said, “Many concepts were covered from Torque Theory, CPR, Traffic Control, CDL Class A driving, and single/three phase powerline construction.” He also recognized several classmates in his speech calling on the audience to give a round of applause to Rose Hill. “Rose Hill is the first female Power Line graduate from Wytheville Community College. In a male-dominant field, this deserves extra accolades,” Jennings stated.

Before the graduates accepted their certificates, they also hear words of praise from Hill, of Ivanhoe, Virginia. She encouraged her classmates, saying, “We learned through these weeks, that we can do anything. Go out and find that job. Use the skills that we’ve learned, and I wish you all the very best.” 

After the ceremony, the new graduates went to the pole yard to show off a little of their newly acquired climbing skills to families and friends. Many of the graduates are either already employed with a power line company, or have moved forward to participate in WCC’s Underground Power Line Training Program.

WCC’s next Power Line Worker Training class is anticipated to begin in early March. Students need to apply 30 – 60 days in advance. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon to secure available funding. 

For students who are interested in WCC’s short-term workforce training programs, please contact Lisa Lowe at (276) 223-4717, or by email: llowe@wcc.vccs.edu.

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Cody Jennings, “Rising to the Top” 

Power Line Instructor, Mike Morrison, offers one last piece of advice to student, David Altizer. 

Fall 2023 Power Line Worker Training Program Graduating Class 

Bottom Row: Daniel Rodriguez, Ashton Hancock, Jacob Wagoner, Dustin Anderson, Zachary Akers, Skylar Vance, Garrett Worley, Lance Burton, Hunter Powers, and Creed Spittler.

Top Row: Lucas Greer, Caleb Phillips, Issac Prather, Mason Cox, David Altizer, Rose Hill, Cody Jennings, Jimmy Powers, Mike Morrison, Tommy Jessup, Perry Hughes, and Jason Thornton.

 (not pictured- Dakoda Singleton and Brayden Pruitt)

Rose Hill, 2023 graduate of Fort Chiswell High School, became the first female power line student to graduate from WCC’s program.