Warsaw, Va. — As employers nationwide face a growing need for skilled trade workers, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Northern Neck Technical Center are teaming up to prepare students for potential careers. On Oct. 9, NNEC hosted Tech Center students for its inaugural Power Camp to introduce them to power industry careers.
More than two dozen students from five high schools participated in an interactive, hands-on learning experience led by NNEC personnel and industry partners from Milwaukee Tool, Altec, Utility Service Agency, S&N Infrastructure, and Bradley Electro Sales Corp. Students also observed dielectric testing of personal protective equipment by the statewide association for the Virginia electric cooperatives.
Throughout the event, NNTC students climbed utility poles; assembled and attached crossarms and other equipment; located underground utilities; competed in a bean bag toss from an elevated bucket truck; learned about substation equipment and communications; and more. Matt Dunn of Southside Virginia Community College met with the group over lunch to discuss the school’s Power Line Worker program.
As experienced workers retire and demand for new construction, energy projects and infrastructure upgrades continues to grow, opportunities in these fields are expanding. Many of these careers offer strong earning potential, hands-on work and a clear path for advancement without requiring a traditional four-year college degree.
According to NNTC Career Director Sharon Womble, students described the event as “the best day.”
More students are taking a fresh look at what a successful career can look like. Career and technical education programs like those offered by NNTC give young people earlier exposure to the trades and help them connect classroom learning with real-world skills. For many students, the chance to build, repair, operate equipment or work outdoors is especially appealing. That growing interest is encouraging for employers like NNEC, who need the next generation of skilled professionals, and for students discovering rewarding careers they may not have considered before.
