BCC Celebrates New Graduates During Lineworker Appreciation Month

April is Lineworker Appreciation Month making it the perfect time to celebrate the success of the fourth graduating class of the Brunswick Community College (BCC) Electrical Lineworker Program. The second to graduate under the program’s new pre-apprenticeship status, this class benefitted from the expertise of instructors Raymon Dickson and Ronald Cumbee.

The class took full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities and facilities offered by program partner Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) and area electrical contractors.

“Each graduate earned 16 industry certifications giving employers even more reason to want to hire them,” said Marilyn Graham, Director of Multicultural Workforce Development & Outreach. “These certifications also help earn the graduates a strong starting wage. We are incredibly grateful for and proud of our partnership with BEMC. It makes our program unique and consistently graduating lineworkers that are eager to put their new skills to work.”

The graduating class included Edward Chamberlain, Liam Cliford, Ryan Creech, Quinton Foust, Kevin Kaczmarczyk, Colton Nixon, River Parker, Cameron Prince, and Luke Thompson. Special congratulations go to Liam Clifford on receiving the Colby Haithcock Memorial Scholarship Award!

In addition to 400 hours of training to succeed in the electrical utility industry, students also receive resume and interview preparation.

“BEMC has supported BCC’s Lineworker Training program since its inception,” said Tim Tippett, BEMC System Operations Manager. “We’ve assisted with instruction, opened our outdoor training facilities to the students, and helped guide them to a successful start in the industry. Our partnership with BCC is very positive for the community in support of a high-demand trade. While this type of work isn’t for everyone, any BCC graduate pursuing a career as a lineworker will have no trouble finding great employment opportunities. We are proud to be part of such a worthwhile program.”

The next Electrical Lineworker Program class begins May 1st. For more information and to register, contact onestop@brunswickcc.edu or call 910-755-7320. For more photos, visit BCC’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BrunswickCommunityCollege.