Fifteen students graduated from the Apprentice Electric Lineman program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s George County Center in Lucedale on April 28. Buck Williams, chairman of the program’s advisory board and manager of risk management and right-of-way services for Singing River Electric Power Association, addressed the graduates.
“This program, which began in 1999, was born out of the need for trained linemen,” Williams said. “Since that time, more than 359 have successfully completed the 16-week program. When these young men get a job, they will be much further along and will be more acclimatized to the job than those who have not taken the program. On-the-job training is rarely as thorough as the training the students get in this program. We are very proud of this program and proud of our graduates.”
Williams also spoke to the graduates about what they could expect in the current job market. “No matter what happens with the economy, we will always need linemen, especially living in a hurricane-prone area like we do,” he said. “Graduates, you need to remember to be persistent in your job search and to sell yourself. The certificate from this program will give you a distinct advantage over others applying for jobs.”
A reception, catered by the Gulf Coast Culinary and Related Foods Program, followed the commencement ceremony.
Student awards:
Class Beauty (Student Choice) Kyler Craig Gates
