Laurel Ridge Breaks Ground on Training Site for New Power Line Worker Program

Laurel Ridge is building the region’s first open-access training site for entry-level power line workers, and the work has officially begun. On Thursday, October 16th, college leaders, energy partners, lawmakers, and students grabbed shovels to break ground on a new pole yard and practice circle at the Middletown Campus.

The college launched its pre-apprenticeship Power Line Worker program last month—the first north of Richmond—and demand is strong. “Power line workers are the unsung heroes,” said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions. They work outside in all kinds of weather “to keep our lights on, our homes safe and our communities connected.”

The 6,000-square-foot facility will rise behind the Student Union Building at the north end of campus and is expected to be ready by late 2026, according to President Kim Blosser. She emphasized that the 30-foot practice poles students climb will not be electrified. “This will be our region’s first open-access program for entry-level power workers,” said Dr. Blosser. With existing power line programs located hundreds of miles away at Wytheville and Southside Virginia community colleges, she said the new site fills a major gap. “In this industry sector, there are many, many good jobs, but not nearly enough employees for those jobs.”

Building the program carries a price tag of about $6 million. “It’s a very, very heavy lift for us financially, but we could not build this program and many others if it wasn’t for our educational foundation and all the generous support that we get from folks in our communities to help us,” Dr. Blosser said. A $500,000 grant from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education purchased two bucket trucks, and a $400,000 GO Virginia grant supported equipment and an instructor.

Local leaders celebrated the program’s role in expanding career options. “As a proud graduate of Laurel Ridge, I’m so honored to now represent this college, this community as a state delegate,” said Del. Delores Oates. “I can say without hesitation that the opportunities offered here are life-changing. For far too long, the path to success has been portrayed as one size fits all.” Community colleges, she said, offer skilled-trades pathways that are affordable, accessible, and adaptable. “I was surprised that in 14 weeks you could become contributing members of the economy,” she added. “This is another example of how Workforce Solutions’ programs benefit the community. This college is an engine for transformation and a pillar of our community.”

The first cohort includes 12 students who will earn seven industry-recognized credentials: CDL, heavy equipment operator, power industry fundamentals, Power Line Worker Level 1, Virginia Department of Transportation work zone flagger-intermediate, OSHA 10, and first aid/CPR. Until the new pole yard opens, the final 3½ weeks of climbing and field training will take place at Southside Community College in Blackstone.

Students say the hands-on training is what drew them. 2025 Rappahannock County High School graduate Bradley Settle finished two semesters at the Skilled Trades Academy while still in high school, picking up plumbing and HVAC credentials along the way. “It’s really good,” Settle said of the Power Line Worker program. “I love all the hands-on work.”

For Stephens City resident Derrick DeHaney, the program offers a new path and stability for his family. A 2009 Sherando High School graduate, he juggled jobs as a carpenter, maintenance worker, and security guard. “I wanted to broaden my horizons,” he said. “I saw the program advertised on Facebook and in the paper, and I jumped on it fast. It seemed like a good opportunity. Everybody needs power. There’s job security and great pay. I’ve got two little ones. I’ve got to take care of them.” He added that the first four weeks focused on CDL, and the whole class passed. “Working two to three jobs is something that I just don’t need to do anymore.”

Wages reflect the demand. The average starting pay for power line workers is about $70,000. Tuition for the program is $16,600, but eligible students may have all costs covered through grant funding, including the G3 program.

For now, Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions plans to run two cohorts a year, expanding to three once the pole yard and training building are complete. The next class begins in April, with an information session set for Feb. 26. Details and application information are available at laurelridgeworkforce.com/powerline.

By breaking ground on its own training site, Laurel Ridge is building a steady pipeline of skilled, safety-minded workers—close to home and ready to serve the region’s growing energy needs. As Clark put it, the work may not always be seen, but the impact is felt every time the lights come on.

(Taken from press release)