A lineman advances

Andrew "Eric" Helton, a line A technician in Blue Ridge Electric's Caldwell District, completed the requirements to receive the Electric Lineman Technology Advanced Certificate during the 2012 fall semester at Nash Community College.

The education program is offered by the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives at the campus and training field in Nash County. Courses include classroom and outdoor training in such skills as overhead line construction, underground line construction and the National Electrical Safety Code.

Students who complete 65 college credits earn an Associate Degree in Electric Lineman Technology. Beyond classes in line work and energy management, courses toward the Associate Degree range from writing and math to critical thinking, computers and communication.