BCC Recognizes Electrical Lineworker Graduates
Brunswick County’s exploding population requires infrastructure and a strong workforce. New business, industry, retail stores, homes and neighborhoods all require electricity. In response to this substantial growth, Brunswick Community College (BCC) established an Electrical Lineworker course in collaboration with Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC).
While this career path isn’t for everyone, it is for Javier Perez-Villegas, Salem Korneygay, and Eric Jacobs — graduates of BCC’s new Electrical Lineworker Course. Teamwork, safety, endurance, and careful climbing has led them down a path toward higher wages and advancement. In fact, utility workers are among the highest paid in the region. According to Greg Bland, Vice President of Continuing Education & Workforce Development at BCC, “Students, instructors, and administrators agree that lineworkers earn every penny.”
Graduates and families were recognized on Monday, October 25th at BCC. The leadership of BEMC spoke to the families about the benefits of hard work, personal safety, and the value of community. Participants shared videos, practical experience, and personal testimonies.
The 10-week, 400-hour course prepares a diverse student population with useful skills and a variety of valuable certifications. The certifications earned by each student include: Wood Pole Climbing, Pole Top Rescue, Bucket Rescue, Flagger Credential, Competent Person Trenching & Shoring, 811 Pipes Plus, Greenlee Three Phase Testing, Greenlee Service Level Termination, Greenlee Branch and Series Level Termination, 3M Head, Eye & Face Protection, 3M Hearing Protection, Forklift, CPR/First Aid, and OSHA Ten Pocket Card.
The next series of classes begins on January 24, 2022, and scholarship opportunities are available. If you think a career as an Electrical Lineworker is for you, call 910-755-8561 for more information.
Photo Caption: Pictured include (Front, l to r): Eugenia Singley (BCC), Javier Perez-Villegas (Lineman Graduate), Ashleigh Brown (BCC), Salem Korneygay (Lineman Graduate), Marilyn Graham (Lineman Program Director)
(Back, l to r): Greg Bland (VP Continuing Education, Economic & Workforce Development), Eric Jacobs (Lineman Graduate), Josh Winslow BEMC CEO, Dana Mauldin, BEMC Safety Director, Tim Tippett, BEMC System Operations Manager, and Brookes Versaggi, BEMC Manager of Member Engagement and Communications
Pictured above are Electrical Lineman graduates: Javier Perez-Villegas, Salem Korneygay, and Eric Jacobs
