A Career Path Born from Industry Need

Laurel Ridge Community College is addressing a critical workforce shortage head-on with its innovative Power Line Worker Program. What began as conversations with local utilities in February 2024 has rapidly transformed into a comprehensive training pipeline that's already placing graduates into high-paying careers across the region.

During a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge, program manager AnnaJane Whitacre, and Derrick Dehaney, a recent graduate who's about to start his new career with Dominion Power. Together, they revealed how this intensive program is changing lives while keeping Virginia's lights on.

Fourteen Weeks to Transform a Career

The program packs an impressive amount of training into just 14 weeks. Students attend full-time, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, earning seven industry-recognized credentials along the way. "It's a lot crammed into 14 weeks," AnnaJane admits, but the comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates walk out job-ready.

The training begins with four weeks of CDL Class A certification, followed by heavy equipment operator training—a program Laurel Ridge has successfully run for years. From there, students dive into specialized coursework including VDOT work zone traffic control, OSHA 10 certification, CPR and first aid, and the core power line worker curriculum.

Moreover, the program covers everything from basic safety and hand tools to the exciting work of climbing poles, working with live wire, and operating specialized equipment like Digger Derrick and bucket trucks. Students also learn about the broader power industry, including the differences between generation, distribution, and transmission systems.

From Skepticism to Passion

Derrick's journey exemplifies the program's transformative power. Initially, he enrolled at Laurel Ridge simply to obtain his CDL. However, after researching line work on YouTube, he discovered something unexpected. "I was like, wow, these guys are climbing poles—that looks like fun," Derrick recalls. "I fell in love with it at first sight."

Despite being older than many of his classmates, Derrick's construction background and athletic lifestyle prepared him well for the physical demands. "I play travel football, still play travel football," he explains. "So me being able to do this work wasn't gonna be a problem at all."

Nevertheless, the program challenged him. As a father of two, Derrick juggled full-time classes with weekend security jobs to support his family. "The first couple weeks, I'm like, man, I dunno how I'm gonna do this," he admits. Yet the struggle proved worthwhile. Derrick applied to Dominion Power immediately after graduating on December 18th and received a call back right away. He starts his new career on February 16th.

Industry Partnership Makes the Difference

What sets this program apart is the Northwestern Virginia Power and Energy Consortium—a partnership between Laurel Ridge, Dominion Energy, local cooperatives, and contractors. This collaboration ensures the curriculum meets real-world needs while providing students direct access to employers.

Throughout the program, companies visit during lunch hours to discuss employment opportunities. "The employers have to bring lunch, so they have to buy the students pizza or subs or whatever," AnnaJane explains with a smile. "And then they get the whole lunch hour to talk about employment opportunities."

Furthermore, near the end of the course, companies conduct on-site interviews with students. These aren't mock interviews—they're real opportunities that often lead to job offers before graduation. "Several of the students had offers or at least follow-up interviews shortly after graduation or even before graduation," AnnaJane notes.

A Career with Unlimited Potential

The financial prospects are compelling. Entry-level positions start around $50,000 annually, while experienced line workers can earn well over six figures. However, the opportunities extend far beyond the initial position.

As AnnaJane discovered while developing the program, the career pathways are surprisingly diverse. Graduates can specialize in transmission work on high-voltage tower lines, focus on underground systems prevalent in urban areas, or move into fiber optic installation for telecommunications companies. "It truly is a very fruitful industry with lots of opportunity," she emphasizes.

Additionally, the work carries a sense of purpose that resonates deeply with graduates. "In my opinion, they're in a class with first responders," Janet observes. "You're the one that when the power goes out because of a storm, you're gonna be going out there and getting the power restored."

Derrick agrees wholeheartedly. "It's a bragging experience for me," he says. "I've never bragged about a job before. It's awesome. It's really awesome."

Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom

The instructors' dedication particularly impressed Derrick. "Every instructor was top tier for us," he shares. "They made sure we passed the class, made sure that we got the knowledge. And if we needed help, they would literally stop class and help that individual."

This supportive environment extended beyond technical training. The program fundamentally changed how Derrick sees the world around him. "Now all I do is look at power lines when I'm driving or whenever I'm outside," he laughs. "I'm like, 'Oh, that's not right. That could cause a fire.'"

Making It Accessible

While the program represents one of Laurel Ridge's more expensive workforce offerings, multiple funding options make it accessible. Students can apply for Fast Forward funding, G3, and FAFSA assistance. Additionally, the college offers various scholarship opportunities, including county-specific options.

"Regardless, let us help you navigate those funding options that are out there," Guy Curtis encourages. The college's financial assistance team screens each student to identify all available funding sources.

The Next Cohort Awaits

With the first cohort's success, Laurel Ridge is gearing up for its next class starting April 13th and running through July 17th. An information session is scheduled for February 26th from 5 to 7 PM at the Middletown campus student union building.

Guy Curtis emphasizes that while pre-registration is requested, anyone interested can attend to learn more about the program and ask questions. "It's worth the while to just investigate, learn more, talk to AnnaJane herself," he says.

A Message to Future Students

Derrick's advice to anyone considering the program is unequivocal: "Run to it. Go in, sign up." He continues passionately, "I don't know where you can get this amount of credentials and certifications within 14 weeks. After these 14 weeks are over, I'm gonna be so ecstatic because this is 1000% worth it."

For those on the fence, Derrick offers reassurance: "Laurel Ridge will make sure you graduate. I can't speak highly enough for what I went through. This is my personal experience, but I just can't be more thankful for Laurel Ridge and what they've done for me and my family and my career."

As Derrick prepares to climb his first pole as a Dominion Power employee, he represents not just a program graduate but a testament to what's possible when community colleges partner with industry to meet real workforce needs. Meanwhile, AnnaJane has already warned him and his classmates: "In a few years, I'll be calling y'all again" to speak to future cohorts.

The waiting list, as Derrick suggests, should be out the door.

For more information about the Power Line Worker Program or to register for the February 26th information session, visit laurelridgeworkforce.com/powerline.