ACC’s Utility Lineworker Technology Program and its partners, Austin Energy and Georgetown Utility System, recently received the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA)’s system achievement award.

The award, handed out annually, recognizes TPPA member organizations that are widely recognized in the public power field and have enhanced the public power industry.

ACC is the only institution of higher education in Texas that offers a specialized two-year degree in the high-demand utility lineworker field. The college also offers a utility lineworker technology certificate that can be completed in about a year.

ACC developed the program two years ago in response to the region’s urgent need for skilled utility lineworkers. The Texas Workforce Commission projects 20 percent job growth in the field between 2006 and 2016, and industry experts predict the need to be much greater because of changes due to new energy sources, soaring power demand, and an aging workforce dominated by baby boomers nearing retirement.

“ACC is proud to work with the region’s utility providers to offer this unique program,” says Dr. Alberto Quinonez, department chair of Electronics and Advanced Technologies. “Lineworkers play a critical role by building infrastructure and keeping our electricity flowing.”

Click here to learn about career opportunities for utility lineworkers. For more information on ACC’s utility lineworker program, visit austincc.edu/info/lineworker.