MANDAN, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives has unveiled a new indoor Lineworker Training Center, on the campus of its headquarters in Mandan Friday.
The center will provide training for students in Bismarck State College’s lineworker training program.
“It’s got about 18,000 square feet of a training arena,” association general manager and executive vice-president Josh Kramer said. “They’ll be able to do work in the wintertime and all sorts of weather. It’s got 50-foot-high walls and 44 feet of clearance. So, they’re going to be able to set poles and climb poles.”
Kramer says this is the only lineworker training facility in North Dakota.
“That’s why our members decided that we need to invest into this,” Kramer said. “We want to keep lineworkers in the state. We want them to go to school here and stay here (and) work for our electric cooperatives or other utilities or other contractors. That just gives us an opportunity to reinvest and to build this workforce.”
Bryor Parisien said he started the program this summer.
“My older brother is a linemen and he kind of talked me into it,” Parisien said. “So, I thought I’d try out the trade.”
Parisien said he’s happy to be working inside.
“It’s awesome,” Parisien said. “This facility is brand new. It was pretty cool to dig our first hole in here – a lot better coming to class than working outside at negative 30 (degrees).”
Parisien says one of the rewards of being a lineworker is helping people get their lights back on.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), whose father was a lineworker, spoke at the event.
“This is a special moment,” Cramer said. “I spent three summers at Cass County Electric working with lineworkers; they are some of the most dedicated and skilled tradesmen. Lineworkers brave the freezing winter cold and the sweltering summer heat to ensure the lights stay on when we need it the most.”
Cramer called the lineworkers in attendance, and their work, among the most noble careers in our society.
“The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives’ new facility will better equip, train, and educate the next generation of lineworkers,” Cramer said. “They have created a beautiful place conducive for work and learning.”
Comments