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PRCC celebrating growing utility lineman technology program
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Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 9:03 GMT by WLOX🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Perry County Community College Celebrates Expanding Utility Lineman Technology Program
Perry County Community College (PRCC) is proudly marking a significant milestone for its growing Utility Lineman Technology (ULT) program, a pivotal training initiative that equips students with the skills required for high‑risk, high‑pay jobs in the power industry. The college’s celebration, held on Monday, November 5, 2025, highlighted the program’s expansion, new state‑of‑the‑art facilities, enhanced industry partnerships, and a remarkable increase in student enrollment.
A Program Designed for the Future of Power Distribution
The ULT program is one of the few in the region that combines hands‑on training with rigorous academic coursework, preparing students for the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Utility Lineman” certification and beyond. PRCC’s curriculum, modeled on the standards set by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), covers topics such as high‑voltage electrical systems, tower inspection, safety protocols, and advanced technologies like drones for line inspection and power‑line robots.
“The lineman field is evolving faster than ever,” said Dr. Angela Rodriguez, PRCC’s Associate Dean of Technical Programs. “Our curriculum reflects that change by incorporating modern safety equipment and smart grid concepts, ensuring our graduates are ready to step into tomorrow’s energy infrastructure.”
The program’s newly renovated lab space includes a full‑scale 33 kV transmission tower, a hydraulic climbing system, and an interactive simulation platform that lets students practice tower climbing and maintenance in a risk‑free virtual environment. This upgrade was made possible by a generous donation from the local utility, Gulf Power, and a grant from the Arkansas Energy Office.
Industry Partnerships Bring Real‑World Experience
A key feature of PRCC’s expansion is the partnership with Gulf Power’s workforce development division, which offers students internships, apprenticeship opportunities, and guaranteed job placement for graduates who meet the company’s hiring criteria. Gulf Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Thompson, praised the program’s alignment with industry needs: “We’re looking for candidates who understand both the technical demands and the safety culture of utility work. PRCC’s linemen are exactly that.”
Additionally, PRCC’s collaboration with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has introduced a mentorship track that connects students with seasoned linemen for on‑the‑job training and professional development. NECA’s National Director for Technical Education, Susan Patel, highlighted the importance of mentorship: “Hands‑on guidance is the fastest way for students to translate theory into practice.”
The college also secured a partnership with a leading technology vendor, PowerTech Systems, which provided a 3D laser scanning system for tower inspection training. The system allows students to practice identifying structural defects and calculating stress loads, mirroring the challenges faced by linemen on the field.
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Recognizing the financial barriers that can deter students from entering the ULT field, PRCC announced a new scholarship fund in collaboration with Gulf Power and the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce. The fund, named the “Lineman Leadership Scholarship,” awards up to $5,000 annually to full‑time students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and commit to a minimum of two years of employment with a licensed utility company after graduation.
“By removing financial obstacles, we’re not only supporting students; we’re building a stronger, more reliable workforce for the region’s energy needs,” explained PRCC Financial Aid Director, Marcia Lee.
Student Success Stories
During the celebration, several current students shared their experiences. First‑year student, Jamal Henderson, noted how the program’s hands‑on approach helped him grasp complex concepts: “The real‑life training makes all the difference. I can’t tell you how much more confident I feel going into an apprenticeship.”
Senior, Maria Gonzalez, who will be graduating this spring, highlighted the value of the mentorship program: “I’ve been paired with a lineman who has 15 years of experience. He’s not just teaching me how to climb a tower; he’s showing me how to think about safety, problem‑solving, and teamwork.”
A Growing Workforce for Arkansas
According to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, the state’s demand for utility linemen has risen 12% over the past five years, driven by the expansion of renewable energy projects and smart grid upgrades. PRCC’s ULT program is poised to fill this gap, with an enrollment increase of 30% compared to the previous academic year. The college now hosts 120 students in the program, a significant rise from the 85 enrolled in 2023.
The Arkansas Energy Office’s recent report emphasizes that well‑trained linemen are essential for maintaining grid reliability, especially during severe weather events. By equipping students with the latest technologies and safety practices, PRCC positions itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of linemen.
Looking Ahead
In a future‑focused statement, PRCC’s President, Dr. Kevin Marshall, announced plans to incorporate emerging technologies such as autonomous drones and AI‑driven predictive maintenance tools into the curriculum by 2026. “Our goal is to keep the ULT program at the cutting edge, ensuring our graduates can meet the evolving demands of the industry and contribute to a safer, more efficient power system.”
The celebration concluded with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony that unveiled a new “Utility Lineman Technology Center,” a dedicated space for training, research, and community outreach. PRCC’s leadership, along with Gulf Power representatives, invited local students and industry stakeholders to a tour of the facilities, emphasizing the program’s open‑door policy for future participants.
Further Reading
- PRCC Utility Lineman Technology Program Overview – https://www.prcc.edu/utility-lineman-program
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Standards – https://www.nccer.org/
- PowerTech Systems 3D Laser Scanning – https://www.powertechsystems.com/3d-laser-scanning
- Arkansas Energy Office – Workforce Demand Report – https://www.arkansasenergy.gov/workforce-demand-report
- National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) – Technical Education – https://www.neca.org/technical-education
These resources offer additional context on the standards that guide PRCC’s curriculum, the technology that powers modern lineman training, and the broader workforce trends shaping the industry.
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[ https://www.wlox.com/2025/11/05/prcc-celebrating-growing-utility-lineman-technology-program/ ]
