Substation Graduate Branching Out into Cyber Security

July 30, 2024 - Twenty-one-year-old Thomas Barbee graduated from the Electric Utility Substation & Relay Technology program at Richmond Community College when he was 18, but now he is working on a second degree in cyber security.

Barbee is a field technician with Electric Power Systems (EPS) in Roanoke, Va. Despite the three-hour distance from Rockingham, he just completed the Cyber Security Training class at RichmondCC and earned one of the industry recognized CompTIA certifications.

“I took the Cyber Security Training course for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, I took it due to the instructor, Brian Goodman,” Barbee said. “He was my instructor for a dual enrollment college course I took back in high school, and I loved every moment of his class.”

Barbee said there was never a dull moment in his Cyber Security Training class.

“Mr. Goodman meticulously crafts a one-of-a-kind curriculum filled with humor, real world application, and quality instruction. He is constantly pushing the envelope of educational ingenuity,” Barbee said.

Goodman creates labs for his students sometimes on the fly, depending on what is happening in the world in regard to cyberattacks and network security threats.

“We learned about cyberattacks by state actors in the far corners of the world, and next thing you know we’re learning how to defend against a multitude of attacks from our fellow classmates,” Barbee said.

In cybersecurity, practical experience and continuous learning are key, according to Goodman.

“Alongside a strong foundation in networking and operating systems, it’s crucial to engage with real-world scenarios and stay updated with the latest threats and defenses,” Goodman added.

Another reason Barbee enrolled in the class was the value of the CompTIA certifications. By completing the course, he received vouchers that would allow him to take the expensive certification exams for free. He earned the CompTIA Security+ certificate.

“You also get free, highly detailed courseware that walks you through every step of each certification. This courseware also comes with realistic practice exams that generate real-time, personalized feedback based on your performance,” Barbee said.

Barbee also took the class because his real passion lies in this field of study. After he completes the associate degree in cyber security next May, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or computer information systems, with a concentration in information assurance or cyber defense.

“Cyber security was my initial plan during high school, but I knew the Substation program at RichmondCC could and did get me in a good career in a short amount of time,” Barbee said. “I have had several people/organizations be quite interested in my unique experience that combines both the electric utility industry and the IT industry, specifically cyber security. I am eager to see where this experience will take me in the coming years when I finish my education.”

Completing the Cyber Security Training class was not easy for Barbee because of the commute for the Saturday in-person classes and the 50 hours a week he works at EPS. But he said Goodman was always willing to work with him and made sure he was able to keep up.

“You will not find a course of more immediate value than this course, from the quality of instruction and knowledge gained, to the literal monetary value of the certifications,” Barbee said. “This is a wonderful way to begin or even further your career in the IT/cyber security world.”

The next Cyber Security Training class runs Aug. 24 - Nov. 23. In addition to online instruction, the class will meet every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Robinette Building in downtown Rockingham. The cost of the class is only $199. Included in the cost of the class are the CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ credentialing exam fees worth over $1,200.

To sign up, call Student Services at (910) 410-1700, or visit either campus in Hamlet or Laurinburg.