SCC’s Electrical Lineman Program prepares students for high voltage career
Southeastern Community College’s Electrical Lineman Program, in partnership with Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, will prepare students for entry-level jobs in the lineman field. The 10-week course, launching soon, will produce graduates able to earn $50,000 per year or more.
SCC President Dr. Chris English explained that even though BEMC donated the lab training equipment, it does not mean that every student in the program will go work for BEMC. He said it opens doors to working and gaining experience at other companies like Duke Energy or Focus Broadband.
“Since this is an entry-level program, we’re not teaching underground cabling,” English said. “But this is a great segway into that next step once they’ve gained that work experience on the job. The Electrical Lineman Program will marry very well with our Electrical Engineering Program.”
According to Dr. Mike Ammons, SCC Dean of Technical Training, students will learn how to safely climb power poles and install transformers. On the ground, students will learn how to tie lines together and install transformers. Students will get experience with bucket trucks and digger trucks.
Looking to future classes after the first class, Ammons wants to incorporate a CDL Class A with a fifth wheel restriction component and the NCCER curriculum that allows students to earn credentials and certificates while they are in the program. These additional certifications will extend the class into a 15-week program.
“We’re also looking to build in additional certifications such as OSHA 10, construction, fiber optic, cable and CPR,” Ammons said. “After working and gaining experience as a lineman, they can put those hours towards an apprenticeship and eventually start working as a Journeyman Lineman.”
Requirements for the lineman program include being 18 years or older, a DOT physical and a DOT drug screen. There are no prerequisite classes or certifications to enter the program. All material will be covered at SCC with an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday schedule with an online component on Friday.
“It was Dr. English’s vision to get an electrical lineman program started here,” Ammons said. “And I will oversee the program with the program’s coordinator reporting to me.”
The Electrical Lineman Program aligns with SCC’s NC Reconnect goal of preparing students for a “career in a year” or less. Ammons said that an entry level lineman job is a “perfect fit” for a 25-year-old who wants to upskill or start a new career. Ammons explained that SCC’s graduates would most likely start out with a contractor such as River City, Pike Electric or Lee Electric before getting hired with BEMC or Duke Energy.
