By Katie Luckett, Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Education
We are proud to recognize the inaugural class of the Powerline Worker Pre-Apprenticeship program that graduated on December 20, 2023. Seven participants completed this 13-week program offered by Wor-Wic Community College through a partnership with Choptank Electric Cooperative and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC).
The graduates were Andrew Brinsky, Ricky Donaldson Jr., Jason Lewis, Brian Postles, Hunter Rodgers, Gavin Roystuart and Zachary Smith.
“I cannot wait to see the success these graduates will undoubtedly have in their careers as powerline workers,” said Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric. “This partnership with Wor-Wic Community College and the VMDAEC supports the future of the industry and provides first-hand training for lineworkers right here on the Eastern Shore.”
Students received hands-on experience with climbing, setting and pulling poles, proper rigging and framing, bucket truck inspection, maintenance and operation, and electrical test equipment. Much of the training was conducted at Choptank Electric’s Regional Service Center facility in Salisbury, right across from the program’s classroom instruction at Wor-Wic Community College.
Students gained knowledge of the power industry, including generation, transmission, distribution, and safety standards. Instruction also covered OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid/AED, and ATSSA Traffic Control trainings with the goal of students obtaining certifications. The program was instructed by Jerone Mabe, Manager of Technical Services for VMDAEC.
The second cohort began in February and is set to graduate this spring. The program is grant-funded, so it is offered at no cost for chosen applicants who live or work in Maryland. The grant also covers subsequent CDL training of successful program graduates.
Alan Scruggs, Vice President of Safety and Training Services at VMDAEC, addressed the graduates at the ceremony on December 20 and shared these final remarks, “You now have an insight into one of the best careers imaginable. My advice to you after my 30 years in the co-op family: Never quit learning, always ask questions, and most importantly, always make safety the top priority for you, your families, and your co-workers.”
After the ceremony at Wor-Wic, family and peers were able to watch the graduates climb the powerline poles at Choptank’s training facility to celebrate their hard work and new skills. Check our social media this spring for the application process for the next program cohort.
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