SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — Seven successful cohorts later, the electric line worker program at Denmark Technical College continues to train future line workers, with more looking to join the force after its current fall semester.
“We try to make sure from the very beginning that when they are coming in, we don’t just take anybody, we make sure that we talk to them, make sure they are serious and they want to do it," said Dr. Hadi Hamid, Assistant Principal for Assistant Technology at Denmark Technical College.
It’s a 14 to 16 week program in which students learn about power transmission, transformers, cabling, how to climb power poles and more.
Since the program began in 2022, it has successfully graduated seven cohorts with 100% of them getting a job on the spot, according to Hamid. “It's almost 100% of people that are getting hired,” he said.
Malik Washington was one of 10 students that graduated and received a certificate in September, bringing him one step closer to his dream career.
“These individuals, these linemen, they are solutions, and you are a part of that solution," Washington said. "It just kind of empowers you a little bit knowing that you are out there helping someone other than yourself.”
During the course, Washington learned basic fundamentals of electric wiring, climbed poles and worked alongside professionals daily, saying it gave him more an of appreciation of the job.
This is the goal school officials want from students, the determination to go the extra mile in this industry.
“Our goal is to bring it to the people who don’t feel that they are part of us or feel that they are not capable of this, they feel not welcomed in this. Our goal is to attend to those and create inclusiveness and diversity.”
If you are interested in learning more about the program, check out the school's website here.
