Power Line Worker Program Update May 2026

Power Line Worker Program Update

May 2026

Power Line Worker 30th Cohort Graduation Day

Thursday, April 30th was a great day! Twenty-seven students graduated from the SVCC Power Line Worker Training School with many friends and family in attendance.

Graduates include (Front row, left to right): Mike Costley (instructor), Dallas Barnes (Scottsville), Dehlilaray Roop (Linden), Jackson Plainte (Halifax), Kadran Pritchard (Williamsburg), Gage Raines (Culpepper), Ethan Bourque (Disputanta), Jerrell Mills (Richmond), Hayes Barton (Dillwyn), Wyatt Walden (Gretna), Bryce Norford (Stanardsville), Avery Letterman (Phenix), William Hinebaugh (Jetersville), and Chris Melendez (Manassas).

Back row, left to right: Greyson Lynn (Callao), Landon Schefflien (Warsaw), Jesse Tolbert (Amherst), Ty Shifflett (Stanardsville), Jonathan Shaw (Hopewell), Caleb Mayes (Gloucester), Noah Thompson (Tappahannock), Sean Rupard (Madison), Tyler Dickerson (Glen Allen), Adrian Gay (Blackstone), Matthew Lynch (South Hill), James Cobb (Courtland), Nathan Coleman (Louisa), Aiden Longshore (Henrico), Clyde Robertson (instructor), and Jamie Jamerson (instructor).

Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, was the graduation speaker. Prior to the ceremony, Dr. Doré joined the family of Grayson Lynn to watch the student demonstrations.

James Cobb shares his hardhat with his son, Vance.

Clint Card, Director of Operations for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC), has the opportunity to meet Avery Letterman whose father is a part of the MEC workforce.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, SVCC President, welcomes industry partners.

Steve Harmon, CEO of Community Electric Cooperative, shares a story with graduate Aiden Longshore and his mom.

Roop Receives Climbing Higher Award

Dr. Keith Harkins, Vice President of Workforce & Academics congratulates Dehlilaray Roop.

At each graduation a student is recognized and receives the "Climbing Higher Award". This monetary award is made possible through the generosity of friends of the program.

The recipient will have demonstrated to classmates and instructors traits necessary for a successful career as a power line worker. Such characteristics include:

Pride in their work
Resilience and fortitude
Dedication to the profession
Commitment to safety
Recognizes PLW as more than a career, it is a lifestyle
Has the backs of their brothers and sisters in the field

Recipients of the "Climbing Higher Award" are nominated by classmates and chosen by instructors. Recipient names and pictures are displayed in the PLW classroom.

Ten Year Anniversary Video

Power Line Worker Training School Featured in Cooperative Magazine

Click the cover of the latest edition of the Cooperative Living to read the full article.

SVCC Takes Part in Prince George Electric Coop "Amped Up" Event

The SVCC Power Line Worker Training School was delighted to be involved when Prince George Electric Cooperative recently debuted their "Amped Up: Day in the Life Youth Event. Click the logo to read more about the day.

Look For Us At Gaff 'N Go

Upcoming Power Line Worker Classes

Cohort #31 - June 1 - August 13, 2026

Cohort #32 - September 8 - November 19, 2026

Visit our Website for Power Line Updates