Laurel Ridge Community College Celebrates First Power Line Worker Graduates

Laurel Ridge Community College celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, September 29, 2023, with the graduation of its inaugural power line worker class. This pioneering group of ten students earned a total of seven industry credentials, providing them with a robust foundation to embark on careers in the power line sector.

Empowering Future Workers

Laurel Ridge’s president, Kim Blosser, expressed pride in the accomplishments of this first cohort. “We are so proud of this first graduating class of our power line worker program,” she stated. Blosser highlighted the collaborative effort involved in developing the program, noting that it challenges the perception that higher education institutions are slow to adapt to industry needs. “This shows that we can stand up programs quickly to meet industry needs,” she added.

The power line worker program was developed over a span of 18 months and underwent a significant acceleration process, originally scheduled to launch in 2027. The first class officially began in September 2025. According to AnnJane Whitacre, the program manager, the success of the program reflects a collective commitment. “It was truly a team effort,” she said. “This was our first group. We had a lot to learn, and I could not have asked for a better first group of students.”

Cohesion and Confidence in Training

The 14-week program has been praised for fostering camaraderie among students. Program instructor Jimmy Powers remarked on the strong bond that developed during the training. “You all made a very, very positive impression and influenced me in a very positive way,” he said, emphasizing the impact of the students’ engagement.

Graduates Nathaniel Kim and Chris Cox shared their experiences and expressed enthusiasm about their newly acquired skills. The credentials they earned, including a commercial driver’s license (CDL), are crucial for enhancing their employability. “The CDL is a huge part because when you get to a company, they give you around six months to get your CDL, and we already have that, so it’ll help us when it comes to getting hired,” Cox explained.

Kim also highlighted the program’s role in preparing them for the workforce. “It just gives us a good introduction into the field. Because before this, I really knew nothing about linesman work,” he noted. This practical experience, along with the bonds formed within the cohort, has left a lasting impression on both students and instructors. “We’re all kind of like brothers,” Cox said, reflecting on the strong relationships that blossomed from day one.

As the inaugural class of the power line worker program graduates, Laurel Ridge Community College sets a precedent for future cohorts and underscores its commitment to adapting educational offerings to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.