CFCC Graduates Largest Electrical Lineworker Class to Date

WILMINGTON, NC — This week, Cape Fear Community College graduated its largest electrical lineworker class to date. Since its onset in June 2018, the program has graduated over 340 students. On Tuesday, June 8, another 47 students graduated—bringing the total graduation number to 388.

CFCC’s 10-week Electrical Lineworker training program, recently recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Pre-Apprenticeship Program by ApprenticeshipNC, attracts students from North Carolina and beyond. California resident Moises Garcia was among those from this graduating class. Even across the country, Garcia heard about CFCC’s program.

“My mentor first introduced me to CFCC’s lineworker bootcamp. He told me about the skills and credentials you receive upon graduating including flagger, OSHA 10 safety training, and a CDL. He said for the cost of the program, you’re not going to find it better anywhere else. So I took a chance and traveled across the country for this program. I have no regrets.”

Several awards and scholarships were given out during the ceremony including The High Voltage Award for the top-performing student, which was given to two students, Brandon Williams and Nicholas Staples.

“They say once you do something you love, you never work a day in your life. I found that with this program. Not only is it a sustainable job that will allow me to provide for my family and give them everything they deserve, but I get to combine my two passions: fixing things and helping out my community,” said Brandon Williams.

“The instructors have over 125+ years of combined experience in this industry,” said Nicholas Staples. “They provided us with endless knowledge and experience that paved the way for us to be the best lineworkers possible.”

In addition, CFCC’s Electrical Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship program was recently recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Pre-Apprenticeship Program in April at the ApprenticeshipNC Conference.

“Receiving this special recognition illustrates the unfailing dedication of our lineworker instructors who strive to deliver high-quality instruction and training to our students,” said CFCC President Jim Morton. “Upon completion of the course, our students can say they are graduating from an award-winning program.”

Following the graduation ceremony, graduates participated in interviews with employers including Pike Electric, VOLT Power, River City Construction, MasTec, Utility Lines Construction Services (ULCS), and Lee Electrical.

“As we head into our third year since the start of the Electrical Lineworker training program, we are pleased to graduate our largest class yet of 47 qualified individuals who are ready to enter the workforce as entry-level electrical lineworkers,” said CFCC Director of Workforce Readiness Programs Emily Holt. “Cape Fear Community College is proud to be able to provide this training and make a positive impact on the industry’s workforce in the Cape Fear region and beyond.”

Learn more about CFCC’s Electrical Lineworker program at https://cfcc.edu/lineworker .