HCTC Lineman Training Program leads to jobs

Anthony Bowling worked 16 years in the construction business and most recently spent seven years in the coal business until he was furloughed. At age 48, he knows he took the right career move by completing the Lineman Training Program at Hazard Community and Technical College. I think the lineman program is an excellent idea for laid-off miners that are used to hands-on manual work.

That decision for retraining proved to be the right one--he is now employed by Pike Electric in Clarkesville, Indiana. He is glad he is close enough that his family does not have to relocate.

He would recommend the program to others. The instructors are top of the line. Combined, they have 50 plus years in the lineman industry, Bowling said. There are no questions you can asked these instructors that they don t know the answer. Bowling praised instructor Chris Engle for his hands-on approach to teaching. He complimented Larry Knight s approach as a foreman, because of his ability to explain exactly what is expected on the job. You will be 100 % prepared for the job. They go above and beyond what is expected in their teaching, Bowling said.

Dr. Jennifer Lindon, Occupational Technologies and Workforce Solutions Dean, said 35-to 50-foot poles are utilized in the 10 weeks of training that lasts 10 hours a day, with four hours on Saturday. CPR, OSHA, Flagger Certifications, along with CDL exams, are included in the program s training, which helps make each graduate more marketable.

Keila Miller, HCTC Workforce Liaison, and Dr. Lindon express much appreciation to East Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program and Jennifer Bergman, JOBSIGHT Services Director, for their work in offering the program.

The most recent class graduation was in July with 19 graduating. The class has a 67 percent placement rate so far. Another class began Sept. 2. Classes are held at the HCTC Technical Campus.

Bowling and his wife, Shondra, live at Big Creek in Perry County with their children, ages 12 and 13.