Big Country Electric Cooperative recently demonstrated its commitment to community and industry by partnering with American Electric Power and Texas State Technical College to establish a training field for TSTC’s new electrical lineworker and management technology program in Abilene. This initiative kicked off its inaugural class in September.
In July, BCEC, AEP and TSTC instructors collaborated to install 48 poles in just six hours, showcasing their teamwork and dedication. This effort was crucial in preparing the training field under a tight deadline, highlighting the cooperative spirit and the importance of investing in the future of the electric utility industry.
Will Duniven, vice president of operations at BCEC, emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to community.
“Big Country Electric Cooperative believes that our goal as a member of our community is to be good stewards of the resources we have available,” he said. “We saw an opportunity to help lay the foundation for the electrical lineworker and management technology program training facility, and we leaned on our seventh cooperative principle, which is Concern for Community, to make that happen. Our board of directors and management believe that we had an opportunity to invest in the future of the electric utility industry and our local community, and we jumped at the chance.”
The event was marked by the participation of several dedicated BCEC employees, including Noe Arce, Joe Brewer, Duniven, Brian Hinkle, Wade Ivy, Tyler Martin, Jeremy McArthur, Cedar McIlwain, Pat Pierce and Cesar Torres. Their efforts, alongside those of AEP and TSTC, were instrumental in setting up the training field.
“It was inspiring to see lineworkers from different utilities come together, working tirelessly in the scorching heat to tackle a project larger than themselves to lay a foundation for the future workers of their industry,” said Krysha Burleson, BCEC communications specialist.
The new program at TSTC offers students the opportunity to earn a 12-month certificate or a 20-month associate of applied science degree, with tuition costs of approximately $11,000 and $18,000, respectively. The program also includes a money-back guarantee, ensuring job placement within six months of graduation or a full tuition refund.
By participating in this project, BCEC not only helped build a vital training facility but also reinforced its commitment to fostering a skilled workforce for the future. As the saying goes, “Blessed are those who plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of BCEC’s involvement in this initiative.
