BRYAN, Texas — Thirteen new lineman are ready to take on the world. No not the ones you see on the football field. These are the ones climbing telephone towers to help restore power.
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) held its fourth Lineman Academy graduation Thursday.
"Its the largest class we've had," said Len Jenicek, the training manager for the Utilities Program at TEEX. "We have 13 guys graduating today and their lives change now."
To get to graduation the 13 graduates had to go through 480 hours of classes and field exercises. Plus earn numerous certifications, like Wood Pole Climbing, Bucket & Digger Truck Operation, OSHA 10-hour Construction and more.
It is all in hope each can pursue a career in the $800 billion utilities industry.
Many of those who are graduated Thursday either have secured jobs or have received several offers.
"Most of the students here have talked with several different utilities and they kind of get to pick and choose what fits them and their families for work locations," Jenicek said.
Rhett Roznos, part of the class of #004, is one who is in a good position career wise.
"I'm waiting on a phone call I am supposed to get in a couple hours," said Roznos.
Roznos and his class have been in touch with many different companies all over the country.
"We had a guy come in who said, 'Hey the day you graduate, the day after you graduate, if you want to work get in your truck and drive to California. We'll get you a job,'" Roznos said.
These graduates are filling a need. One that they are excited to be part of.
"I don't see it ever getting old," Roznos said.
These linemen are vital to support electric power infrastructure on a daily basis and respond on a moment’s notice to restore power after catastrophic events like Hurricane Harvey.
The academy was established in 2018 and is conducted by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan. It is a comprehensive pre-employment training program for individuals pursuing a career in the $800 billion utilities industry, which needs new workers to fill the gap as many linemen reach retirement age.