Electric Lineman Training Creating Buzz for Those Looking for High-Paying, Rewarding Career

Nov. 8, 2018 - Richmond Community College recently hosted an orientation session for its new Electric Lineman program with more than 20 people showing up to express interest in taking the course that will lead to a career in high demand.

Dr. Robbie Taylor, vice president of Workforce & Economic Development, was pleased with Wednesday’s turnout for this program, which is being offered for the first time at RichmondCC beginning Nov. 26.

“We are really excited to be able to offer this type of career training right here in Richmond County,” Taylor said. “There is a great demand for linemen in the utility industry, and our goal is to produce quality linemen who will be ready to go to work in nine weeks.”

Instructor and coordinator for the program, Scott Caulder, said being a lineman is not a job, but a lifelong career.

“Many people get into this line of work, and then they stay in it until they retire,” Caulder told the group at orientation, which included both men and women. “When you put the lights back on for people in the middle of a storm, you’re like a superhero without the shield and the cape. Being a lineman gives you the chance to do some really rewarding work.”

Also attending the orientation was former lineman Mark Jones of J Harlen Co., who talked about the type of boots that each person would be required to wear and its safety features. A tool supply company for the utility industry, J Harlen has partnered with RichmondCC on this program by donating equipment and gear that will help students safely complete the nine weeks of training.

After the orientation, 11 people were registered for the program with nine others working on compiling the required documents for registration. Requirements include:

• Copy of high school diploma or high school equivalency
• Copy of current DOT physical and drug screen
• Copy of an unrestricted driver’s license
• Copy of official driving record
• Accuplacer reading score of 60 or higher or transcript for 2-year degree or higher

There are a few more spots available for the Electric Lineman course at RichmondCC that begins Nov. 26. If you missed orientation and would like to sign up, contact Caulder at (910) 410-1855 or jscaulder@richmondcc.edu. The next class will be offered in March.