New Electrical Power Line Mechanic Program
Warren County Career Center partnership makes it possible
Upper Valley Career Center and Warren County Career Center are collaborating to offer the Electrical Power Line Mechanic program a 10-month, 900-hour training program. The course prepares participants for employment in the electrical utility field by teaching students to climb utility poles, perform pole-top framing, install distribution lines, and operate bucket and derrick digger trucks.
Warren County Career Center personnel will deliver the training at the Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua. Individuals who complete the program typically work for a utility company or as a contractor that does high-voltage line work. Individuals may go to work for a telephone or cable company.
The physically demanding occupation requires students be in excellent physical condition, and prepared for working outside year-round in all weather. Travel may also be required as technicians are sent to complete storm-response work in locations ravaged by severe weather.
According to Ben Brigham, Industrial Coordinator at Upper Valley Career Center, the need for skilled workers is expanding. “The industry projects a loss of nearly one third of their current technicians. That’s a loss of roughly 200,000 skilled workers who are expected to retire within the next four or five years,” he says. Brigham also pointed out that the high-voltage utility-line technician occupation is one of the highest paying skilled trade occupations in the United States.
Dr. Nancy Luce, Superintendent of Upper Valley Career Center says, “Given the demand for power line technicians, this program provides an excellent opportunity for anyone with the interest to begin a new career.”
Classes are scheduled to begin on April 15 at the Upper Valley Career Center ATC, 8901 Looney Road, Piqua. Individuals interested in exploring this training program are encouraged to contact Dick Reese, Heavy Equipment and Site Construction Coordinator, Warren County Career Center at 513.932.8145 or email dick.reese@mywccc.org for more information or to begin the registration process.