November 6, 2018
The East Central Community College Workforce Development Center will offer a new 16-week program in Electrical Utility Lineman beginning Feb. 4, 2019, on the Decatur campus.
The new program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of utility power transmission and distribution construction, troubleshooting, and repair. It is a non-credit program.
Over the duration of the class, successful students will earn certifications including a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, First Aid CPR and OSHA 10-Hour. Also, as part of the preliminary screening of applicants, an individual will obtain a National Career Readiness Credential.
According to Chris Clark, ECCC workforce development coordinator, the program will incorporate hands-on learning activities including making connections of meter loops, transformers, and other equipment on de-energized poles; assisting with the framing and installation of utility poles and apparatus on the ground; assisting in the burying of cable and other related work; operating vehicles and equipment safely, including bucket trucks, digger derrick trucks and forklifts; differentiating between an energized and de-energized structure and recognize hazards; making basic connections and disconnections; and checking voltage/amperes.
Participants will also learn all aspects of the American Public Power Association Safety Manual and read and understand general information in the Rural Electric Association spec book.
During the semester students will also drive commercial vehicles with automatic and standard shift transmission and maneuver, back up, and park a trailer, which will require a CDL Class A Learner’s Permit with Air Brakes. A Mississippi CDL Learner’s Permit requires passage of the General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes tests, along with a D.O.T. Physical and D.O.T. Drug Screen.
Prospective students must obtain a CDL Class A Learner’s Permit with Air Brakes and the National Career Readiness Credential requirement prior to January 2, 2019.
Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon for 16 weeks. The cost is $1,500 per student. Financial assistance may be available. Registration for the course is scheduled Nov. 27-29.
For more information or make an appointment to register, contact Clark at 601-635-6245 or email cclark@eccc.edu.
