Wytheville Community College (WCC) celebrated the 13th cohort of power line workers in a graduation ceremony led by Perry Hughes, WCC Vice-President of Workforce Development and Occupational Programs, on the Wytheville campus on June 17, 2024.

As of this class, approximately 350 students have successfully completed the power line worker training program at WCC since its inception in 2017. Mike Morrison, Power Line Worker Training Instructor, addressed the group of graduates offering this advice, “From the first day of class, you learned to build. You built confidence. You built willpower. We do more than train students. We build linemen. We want you to go out into the world and make a difference for yourself and for your families.” 

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, “Thank you to the families here today who support these students. It takes support and encouragement to achieve this goal, and your presence today solidifies the support. Today, you crossed the finish line, and jobs are waiting for you.” 

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 scheduled to begin July 29, 2024. Students need to apply 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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Pictured: WCC’s 13th cohort of the Power Line Training Program