BRYAN, TEXAS – Eleven students graduated from the TEEX Lineman Academy, on June 18, 2020, at the RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas. The Lineman Academy provides students the skills necessary to support crucial infrastructure throughout Texas and across the nation.
During the 15-week academy, students completed 480 hours of classroom instruction, performed real-world field exercises and passed a final skills test. They earned qualifications in Wood Pole Climbing, Bucket & Digger Truck Operation, Flagger, OSHA 10-hour Construction Electrical Transmission & Distribution (ET&D) and First Aid/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). They also earned their Flagger card and had the opportunity to take the driving portion of the CDL Exam.
This year’s Academy faced some unprecedented challenges. Face-to-face training at TEEX was shut down for a few months due to the response to COVID-19;, however, the instructors adapted and participants were able to continue learning through live online instructor-led webinars.
The TEEX Lineman Academy is a comprehensive pre-employment training program for individuals seeking a career in the $800 billion utilities industry. This industry is currently seeking new essential workers striving to make a difference in their communities and fill the gaps as many linemen reach retirement age.
“As a graduate of the TEEX Lineman Academy, I was blessed to receive classroom and field instruction from a number of excellent instructors with decades of experience,” said TEEX Lineman Academy graduate James Johnson. “Each instructor offered experience from the generation of power all the way to the end user. Leaving the Academy, I know I will be leaving with the tools needed to be an asset to the industry.”
Graduates of the TEEX Lineman Academy are also eligible for college credit toward an Associate’s Degree at Blinn College.
Watch of video showing exercises during this Lineman Academy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZFNOBCuLXY
About TEEX
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. A member of The Texas A&M University System, TEEX served more than 200,000 people from across the United States and 100 countries last year through hands-on training and technical services.