18 Graduate RichmondCC's First Electric Lineman Program

February 11, 2019 – Eighteen students graduated Richmond Community College’s first Electric Lineman program.  

RichmondCC held its graduation ceremony Friday, February 8 for successful completers of the Electric Lineman program that wrapped up this month. All 18 graduates of the program received job offers, and several of the graduates received multiple offers.

The Electric Lineman course prepare individuals to work as line workers in preparation and repair of rural electrical utility service. Line workers know the basic elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line constructions, safety codes and applications, electric power system, transformer and meter installations, and explorations of underground electrical distribution.

Graduates include Jesse Benoist, Alan Blackmon, Jr., Charles McCaskill, Christopher McCormick, Alden Morrison, Charles Sessoms, Christopher Sheppard, all of Richmond County; Cyran Dial, Mary Dial, Jacob Jones, Matthew Lee, James Locklear, Phillip Locklear, Dustin Williams, of Robeson County; Terry Bell and Andrew Guinn, Scotland County; Chad Huggins of Marlboro County; and Christian Rhone of Cumberland County.

Dr. Robbie Taylor, Vice President of Workforce & Economic Development at RichmondCC, welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “Line workers are in extreme demand in our area of the country. Providing this program will help the shortage of workers, and offer these students a great opportunity for a prosperous career,” Taylor said.

“I am proud of the inaugural graduating class, as these students demonstrated commitment by successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive classroom exams and physically demanding electric line work,” Taylor said. 

Scott Caulder, Program Coordinator and Instructor for the program, also spoke at the graduation ceremony.

“Thank you all for the support and this opportunity. Words cannot describe the love and passion I have for these students, these guys and girls are like my children,” said Caulder. “When I took this job I knew I had to create something, so I created a team and that’s what we had to do. We have come together to achieve a common goal of becoming lineman.”

This ten-week program provided classroom time and field training. Upon completion of the course, students will have obtained certifications in OSHA 10, NCCER, First Aid/CPR and received a CDL learner’s permit. 

To Sign Up 

The next Electric Lineman class begins on March 4. For more information about the course, call Workforce and Economic Development Program Director Angineek Gillenwater at (910) 410-1848 or email ajgillenwater@richmondcc.edu.