Winnsboro, LA — On September 12, 2024, Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) and the Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative (NELPCO) will celebrate the completion of their first Electrical Lineman Workforce Course. The ceremony, held at LDCC’s Winnsboro Campus, marks a significant milestone in workforce development for northeast Louisiana and showcases the success of this groundbreaking partnership.
Launched earlier this summer, the 16-week intensive program provided students with the hands-on training needed to pursue careers as lineworkers in the energy sector. NELPCO and LDCC's partnership has not only addressed critical labor shortages but also opened new pathways for career development in the region.
This program, created to meet the growing demand for electrical line workers, drew on NELPCO’s extensive experience and LDCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, short-term workforce training. Jeff Churchwell, NELPCO’s general manager, shared his thoughts on the partnership's impact: “Teaming up with LDCC to develop this specialized training is more than just addressing a shortage—it’s about investing in our future and the community surrounding us.”
Through the support of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and other state resources, Workforce Development Board 83 (WDB-83) played a vital role in assisting students with financial aid in the program. Terri Mitchell, executive director of WDB-83, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's success. “This initiative not only provides participants with crucial skills but also plays a key role in enhancing workforce development and ensuring the reliability of our energy infrastructure. It's truly inspiring to witness programs like this that bridge the skills gap and open up meaningful career opportunities. We take particular pride in the participants we supported through WIOA and other State funds managed by WDB-83,” Mitchell reflects.
Participants of the course have praised the program for its impact. Dominion Crist, a student of the training, reflected on his experience: "The class has been very insightful for me. It's the best opportunity for a guy coming out of high school."
This partnership has set a new standard for workforce development programs in the region, helping to ensure the continued reliability of the local power grid while empowering individuals to embark on rewarding careers in the energy sector. As the first class celebrates its completion, LDCC and NELPCO look forward to continuing their collaboration to meet the workforce needs of northeast Louisiana.
The completion ceremony will take place on September 12 at LDCC Winnsboro. The next Electric Lineworker course will be October 7 through February 14.
For enrollment information, please visit ladelta.edu/workforce/index.
