Longview Manager of Distribution System Dylan Holly talks with Trinity Abbott, who is the second woman to go through the TSTC lineworker program, at SWEPCO Day at the school. Trinity is in her final semester with plans to graduate in August.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Marshall recently hosted a special event that bridged the gap between education and real-world application in the electric utility industry. SWEPCO Day brought together SWEPCO employees and students enrolled in the electrical lineworker and management technology training program for a hands-on experience that highlighted essential skills and safety protocols in the field.
The day was filled with activity as supervisors observed students practicing critical tasks such as changing out crossarms and isolating, testing, and grounding lines. These exercises are vital for aspiring lineworkers, as they directly relate to the core responsibilities they will undertake in their careers. Derrol Smith, a Distribution System Supervisor in Marshall, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "There are lots of success stories out of this place." His words reflect the commitment both SWEPCO and TSTC have to developing the next generation of skilled lineworkers. Most of the lineworkers who make up the Carthage and Marshall construction crews came through TSTC.
Mansfield Distribution System Supervisor Cedric Thomas greets TSTC student James Nelson before he demonstrates some of the critical skills he's learned in the lineworker training program. Nelson was one of two students to receive $2,000 endowed scholarships from an AEP Foundation grant.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of two scholarships, made possible by an endowment created through a $100,000 AEP Foundation grant in 2021. James Nelson from Carthage and Jacob Knuckols from Daingerfield each were awarded a $2,000 scholarship to aid in their educational journey to becoming a lineworker.
Knuckols shared how his interest in the field was sparked after witnessing SWEPCO restore power in his hometown following a storm. Both students had previously worked in the oilfield industry and were eager for a change.
Receiving the scholarship was a pivotal moment for Nelson, who expressed his gratitude, saying, "I've never had anything like this given to me." Knuckols, a father of five, echoed this sentiment, noting how the scholarship would significantly ease his transition into a new career.
In addition to the hands-on training, students had the chance to engage in small group discussions with supervisors and Mark Robinson, Manager of External Affairs and a member of the TSTC Foundation Board of Directors. This dialogue allowed them to inquire about the nuances of being a lineworker at SWEPCO and to delve deeper into critical safety measures.
"The partnership between TSTC and SWEPCO is vital for developing a skilled workforce,” Robinson said. “Together, we’re not just training students; we’re building a community of professionals ready to meet the demands of the electric utility industry."
Mark Bayliss, a TSTC instructor, highlighted the importance of SWEPCO's involvement in the program. "We invite SWEPCO out once a year to show our appreciation and thank them for the involvement they have in the program. If it wasn't for SWEPCO, we wouldn't be where we are today,” he said. “They have been a great industry partner, and we bring them out here to show them what we're doing and to show our appreciation."
SWEPCO Day at TSTC not only showcased the skills of future lineworkers but also reinforced the strong partnership between the educational institution and the utility company, ensuring that students are well-prepared for successful careers in the electric utility industry.