ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new program in Delta County is building up a local industry and helping workers earn the qualifications they need.
The need for electrical line workers is high across the Upper Peninsula.
“Everything that you see when it comes to power lines all over the place that power entire cities require linemen to be able to maintain, to repair, to build this network of lines and telephone poles,” said Josh Barron, Director of North Country Electrical Line School.
North Country Electrical Line School’s 16-week course aims to meet that need by giving students hands-on electrical line training. At the pole yard, Barron says they learn how to be safe and effective while up in the air.
“It’s one thing to climb a pole, and it’s another thing to be comfortable doing aerial framing and putting everything together to actually make that line work, utilize tools, and utilize a hand line to bring up cross arms and different things,” Barron said.
They can also train for a Class A commercial driver’s license and learn to operate heavy equipment.
“To be a successful lineman, it’s important to know how to operate things like the backhoe and the excavator and the front end loader, being able to operate a log truck, and maneuver swamp mats in place,” Barron explained.
By the end of the program, Barron says students will be equipped with all the tools and knowledge necessary to enter apprenticeships.
“This program was created by linemen for linemen,” he said. “It’s one of only two programs like it in the Upper Peninsula, and it’s everything that a lineman needs to know to be successful in the industry,”
Those who complete the program will be prepared to take on difficult but crucial jobs that need to be filled in their communities.
“I don’t want to sugarcoat it; it’s not an easy trade,” said Barron. “You’re out in the elements, you’ve got to be in decent physical shape, you’ve got to be able to operate heavy equipment. But it’s also a very rewarding one, and an exciting one at that.”
The first North Country Electrical Line School technician training session begins August 19, with future sessions starting in November, February, April, and July. The program costs $14,990. Class sizes are limited and filling up, so those interested are encouraged to register early at ncheschool.com.
