In an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of electrical technicians, Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) hosted a Power Up Lineman Camp.
The event welcomed 15 enthusiastic students from various schools including Tate High, Central School, Jay High, and Escambia County Virtual.
The camp proved to be an illuminating experience for the participants, offering a curriculum with hands-on training and valuable insights into the world of electrical infrastructure.
Divided into informative stations, the camp covered topics crucial to the field, from safety protocols to the intricacies of power distribution systems.
Participants were educated on essential safety measures, emphasizing the importance of caution and vigilance when working with electricity. They were also given practical demonstrations on the proper use of right-of-way equipment, ensuring they understood the protocols for navigating workspaces safely.
The camp delved into the core components of electrical systems, with sessions dedicated to transformers and power poles. Students gained a deeper understanding of transformer functionality and were taught the fundamentals of climbing power poles—an essential skill for aspiring lineworkers.
The curriculum also included insights into underground infrastructure, with a detailed examination of the contents and workings of underground transformers.
“I already had an interest in being a lineman, but after the lineman camp at EREC I knew being a lineman would be my future,” Tucker Nowling says. “The camp was so informative and hands-on. I’m thankful to EREC for helping me to reassure my decision.”
A highlight of the camp was sessions conducted atop bucket trucks, offering a firsthand experience of working at height—a common aspect of lineworker duties. From high in the air, participants gained perspectives on challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining overhead power lines.
The camp fostered a spirit of camaraderie among participants, providing a platform for networking and collaboration. For many attendees, the Power Up Lineman Camp was more than just an educational event—it was a transformative experience that ignited their passion for the electrical industry.
By offering hands-on training and immersive learning opportunities, EREC’s camp has laid the groundwork for a new generation of skilled technicians poised to make significant contributions to the field of electrical infrastructure.