Electric Lineworker program moves into a new state-of-the-art facility
The new Western Colorado Community College electric lineworker facility is just half a mile down the road from the old site, but it includes many upgrades and new equipment to better prepare students for their careers.
The Electric Lineworker program teaches students the basic skills in the study of electricity and the fundamentals of electric line work, transformer connections, and underground installations and repairs — fully preparing students to become apprentice electric linemen.
WCCC’s new state-of-the-art facility provides more usable square footage for lineworker students and is located on the corner of 29 Road and D ½ Road. There is more storage space for vehicles and equipment, and the facility includes updated audio visual (AV) and instructional technology capabilities, as well as larger classrooms.
The new upgrades will allow students to learn in a more efficient and effective setting. They will also be challenged to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom at the outdoor space of the new facility. In the outdoor space, students will learn how to operate bucket and digger-derrick vehicles and climb industry-height poles.
“We are providing students the opportunity to learn in a new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Brigitte Sundermann, vice president of community college affairs. “This project is the result of several years of planning and collaboration with our industry partners.”
The facility was funded from $2.9 million from the state and $300,000 in Federal Mineral Lease funds.
The WCCC Electric Lineworker program can only go up from here.