In December, 20 graduates of the Electric Line Construction Academy at Nash Community College prepared to start their careers as power line technicians. The academy prepares students with specialized knowledge and training to make sure they work safely and efficiently when they start their careers. Students learn about electrical computations, electric power systems, overhead line construction and underground line construction.

The 16-week program at Nash was developed in close consultation with the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives and its Job Safety & Training Department.

With more than 400 hours of combined classroom and construction training throughout the course, students graduate with a nationally-recognized 3rd Class Line Construction Technology Certificate that qualifies them to begin work as apprentices to power line technicians.

A new class started in January.