DECATUR, Ala. — Calhoun Community College has secured a significant boost for its Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program, thanks to Huntsville Utilities and TVA. Both companies have pledged $50,000 each to support the program, aiming to address the growing shortage of utility lineworkers in the Huntsville-Madison County area.
The accelerated 7-week program, located at Calhoun's lineworker yard near its Decatur campus, aims to equip people with essential skills sought by utility companies across North Central Alabama. The $100,000 in total funding will provide scholarships covering tuition, roundtrip transportation to training, daily lunch allowances, mentorship, and a toolkit upon graduation for 10 recipients.
Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun's President, emphasized the transformative impact of the scholarships, valued at over $10,000 per participants.
“If this opportunity were to have a price tag on it, it would total over $10k,” says Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. “Words cannot express how grateful and humbled we feel here at Calhoun to be entrusted by TVA and Huntsville Utilities to play a vital role in training the next generation of lineworkers. I can’t begin to say how much of a life changing opportunity this is for anyone who enters into this program as the training will almost guarantee them a job, with the number of lineworkers companies are seeking to hire daily in this region,” added Hodges.
TVA oversees over 16,000 miles of power lines across seven states. They also manage about 263,000 miles of lines operated by 153 local power companies.
"As electricity demand increases, it is crucial to have a skilled workforce to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable power," said Mark Brown, Community Relations Manager for TVA South Alabama. "Through our partnership with Huntsville Utilities and Calhoun Community College, we are committed to recruiting and training the talent necessary to develop the energy system of the future."
The scholarship targets Madison County residents interested in the program, with the next session scheduled from October 28 to December 13, 2024. Further details and applications can be found here.