ELLISVILLE – Seven, new utility linemen, Pacen Odom of Richton, Brady Graham of Waynesboro, DeAnthony Barnes-Jones of Laurel, Baylor Williams of Stateline, Donquerious Feazell of Collins, Gabriel Roberts of Columbia, and Jaden McCree of Laurel, are ready to join the workforce following the Utility Lineman Showcase and graduation ceremony held recently at Jones College’s Wayne County Center in Waynesboro. After 16 weeks of classroom and hands-on training, these students have earned several credentials including, Utility Lineman, Commercial Driving License, OSHA, NCCER-Core, Forklift/heavy equipment and CPR. Utility Lineman instructor, Mark Patrick explained after students earn their CDL the initial seven weeks, the last nine weeks are spent on classroom instruction with 12 tests they have to pass and then lineman training includes three weeks on the poles. At the Lineman Showcase, these students climbed the poles and demonstrated their technical skills at four different stations in front of friends, family and prospective employers.
“This 16-week program gives them the basics to work on a line crew. Historically, we have had companies like Mississippi Power and other companies hiring them before they finish. This spring, a downturn in the economy has slowed the hiring demand, but our students have several credentials which makes them employable in different areas, in addition to working as a utility lineman,” said Patrick.
The next Workforce Lineman Academy begins in May, and the Academic Utility Lineman Academy program begins in August. Check the website, www.jcjc.edu for more information.
