BERLIN, Conn. (July 27, 2021) – Eversource’s first class of students enrolled in the Electrical Lineworker Certificate Program are nearing completion of the course and a future career in the electric power industry. The energy company partnered with Capital Community College (CCC) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to offer the new certification program that’s helping to cultivate the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut. The course provides students with valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity for employment in the field.
“My family has been in the power industry for decades,” said Jared Flagg, Certificate Program Student and Old Lyme Resident. “I’ve seen the enjoyment and success they’ve gained from working in the industry and I want to accomplish the same success.”
Flagg is one of 15 students who will soon graduate from the new Lineworker Certificate Program and possibly start a paid apprenticeship with Eversource.
“The aspect of this program that I have enjoyed most is the comradery,” said Flagg. “We have a group of individuals from all walks of life with varying life experiences, all sharing in being part of the first Lineworker Program in Connecticut.”
The 11-week certification program includes virtual classroom learning and hands-on training at the Eversource outdoor training complex in Berlin. Students will complete extensive course work, including electrical theory, basic math, communications, CPR, and safety – all to prepare for employment in a variety of electrical fields, with an emphasis on electrical line worker responsibilities and tasks.
“I decided to pursue a career as a lineworker because it is one of the most important and rewarding jobs in the world,” said Evan Salisbury, Student and East Hampton resident. “We support our communities by maintaining the power lines to provide safe distribution of electricity to all customers.”
“Many of our lineworkers are reaching retirement age so there is a true need for qualified workers in the electric operations industry,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Field Operations in Connecticut Don Boudreau. “It’s crucial that we replenish our workforce to maintaining a safe and reliable electric system for our customers and this program will play an important role in retaining the next generation of skilled workers in Connecticut by allowing us to reach out to young people in the communities we serve and offer them excellent career opportunities.”
“Capital has a proven track record as a ‘conduit creator’ for businesses looking to onboard highly trained and skilled employees from diverse backgrounds,” said Capital CEO Dr. G. Duncan Harris. “Many students come to us in search of ‘a first job, a better job, a career’ that will provide them with family-sustaining wages and a brighter future. Early feedback suggests that this win-win scenario has been the case with our first Eversource graduating class and we’re already preparing to recruit our next cohort. Eversource is an amazing employer and we’re glad they decided to partner with Capital to provide career ladders to opportunity for our students.”
Students enrolled in the Lineworker Certificate Program include Jared Flagg, Evan Salisbury, Matthew Bouton of Newtown, Domenic Buonomo and James Demicco of Wolcott, Ivan Lituma of Bethel, Joshua Martin of Stratford, Kyle Martinez of Wethersfield, Jason Morales of Bristol, Shafqat Rahman of West Hartford, Ismael Robles of Hartford, Joshua Simpson of Putnam, Michael Staehle of Oakdale, Jared Vasquez of Stratford and Adrian Vazquez of Willimantic.
