Fortunately, for all of us who depend on reliable power and telecommunications, there are some Virginia Community College graduates who can do much, much more than just talk about the weather. For almost a decade we’ve been training power line workers, the hearty souls who clamber up utility poles to restore our lights after the storm. To meet the growing demand for these skilled workers, our training programs are expanding.
Chief workforce officers from several of our colleges briefed the VCCS State Board in January, reporting strong and 
continuing demand for utility workers to support a power grid that serves Virginia’s growing population and the state’s burgeoning data center industry. “We know that your colleges are producing highly qualified power line workers who are committed to serving the people in the communities where they live,” said Matt Kellam, Dominion Energy’s Manager of Workforce Development and Planning.
The VCCS Power Line Worker program began at Southside Virginia in 2016 and has expanded gradually to Wytheville, Mountain Empire and Patrick & Henry Community College. Zoning and permitting are in the works to expand the program to Laurel Ridge Community College, where construction for PLW training facilities might begin sometime this coming summer.
About 1,200 people have completed the program so far. Ninety-eight percent of the students who enroll in PLW training complete the program. And 96 percent of PLW students go on to earn related industry credentials.
Caroline Campbell, PLW cohort 2021, SVCC
“I went to college out of high school to study liberal arts because that’s what people did. It was a blessing that I was encouraged to do something I’d never thought of before,” said Caroline Campbell, who trained in the PLW program at Southside Virginia in 2021 and went on to be a utility worker at Dominion Energy.
“I learned that college isn’t the answer for everyone, and learning a trade that pays you six-figures by the time you reach 30 can be a good career path. My parents had to get used to it but they came around to see the value of what I do,” Campbell added.
Campbell and a host of other VCCS-trained Power Line Workers worked long hours restoring power and service in southeastern states following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in late September.
Alex Hite, PLW cohort 2018, SVCC
“It’s a lot to figure out in the immediate aftermath of the storm,” said Alex Hite, who also trained at SVCC. Hite spent three weeks helping to get the lights back on after Helene and Milton struck South Carolina and Florida.
“It makes you feel good to be helping people. When they see that you’ve left your family to be there, hundreds of miles from home to help them, they’re so appreciative. And that makes us feel like we’ve done something worthwhile,” Hite added. “The days are long but rewarding. Storm work is my favorite kind of work.”
Abby Middleton, PLW cohort 2022, MECC
As a Fiber Lineman for Scott County Telephone Cooperative, Abby Middleton repaired storm damage closer to home last fall, working overtime in far southwestern Virginia. “Most people that I ran into were very thankful and courteous,” said Middleton. “I’m thankful to have a job where I get to help others during times of need.”
“I attended MECC’s Power Line Worker Program in the fall of 2022. I can’t commend the teachers enough for what they taught me. This line of work isn’t for everyone, but if you love the outdoors, getting your hands on stuff, and take pride in what you do, then this is for you.”
