Pole donation helps train aspiring lineworkers at Hinds Community College

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Pole donation helps train aspiring lineworkers at Hinds Community College

08/22/2024

Entergy Mississippi is helping to prepare the state's next generation of lineworkers for the field by donating one of the most essential pieces of learning equipment to Hinds Community College. The company donated 21 utility poles to the community college's new electrical lineworker program - a value of nearly $9,200.

"A skilled workforce is critical to the electrical industry's long-term success and commitment to the communities we serve. We hope this donation will lay the groundwork for many future careers," said Richie Moore, director of region distribution operations at Entergy Mississippi.

"We're grateful to Entergy for helping us provide essential hands-on experience that our students will most definitely need once they complete the course and enter the workforce. We're offering this program in response to the increased demand for lineworkers in the electrical utility industry," said Jason Webb, dean of construction and manufacturing at Hinds Community College.

Learning the techniques to safely work on a utility pole, at a deenergized training yard, is fundamental for lineworkers.

"Safety is a core value at Entergy. What better way to support aspiring lineworkers and promote safety than to provide them with the proper equipment to practice the skills they'll need on the job," said Chad Upton, supervisor of learning and development at Entergy.

In addition to providing new poles for the program, Entergy advised the school on the program curriculum and installed the poles at the Raymond Campus at no cost to the school.

"When a college comes to you wanting to develop a program and curriculum similar to yours, that means you're producing great work. These students should finish this program a step ahead, ready to easily transition into the workforce. That's what the industry needs," said Michael McNair, senior technical training specialist at Entergy.

This 16-week intensive program includes courses on:

• Safety for Line Workers
• National Electrical Code
• Fundamentals of Electricity for Line Workers
• Pole Climbing
• Interpersonal Skills for Line Workers
• Truck Driving for Line Workers

The first cohort began class in August, and up to 16 students will be accepted per semester. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate so potential employers can see what they learned.

"My father retired from Entergy with 29 years of service. He always spoke highly of Entergy and has many good memories of his time with the company. So having their assistance in getting this program off the ground is quite special for me," added Webb.

For more information, and to apply for the next semester, visit www.hindscc.edu/workforce/training/electrical-line-worker.

For information on lineworker career opportunities with Entergy, visit www.jobs.entergy.com.