Central Texas utilities tout jobs, new ACC degree

Together with leading power companies, Austin Community College has established Central Texas’ first-ever path into the high-demand careers of utility lineworkers.

The college is introducing the Utility Lineworker associate degree and technical certificate starting this fall semester. Austin Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Georgetown Electric, the Lower Colorado River Authority, and Oncor have worked with ACC on developing the program curriculum.

ACC hosted a Utility Lineworker Expo July 14 to highlight career opportunities. A brief video recap of the event can be viewed here. An album featuring photos from the event is available on the ACC Facebook page.

‘The ACC Utility Lineworker Program means more local jobs for local residents.’

The Utility Lineworker Program will address a shortage of lineworkers at time of considerable change in the electric industry. The Texas Workforce Commission projects 20 percent job growth 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.

“Central Texas will pay a price if we don’t train more linemen to maintain the region’s electric infrastructure,” says Jerold Terry Jr., human resources administrator at Pedernales Electric Cooperative. “Electricity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.”

Utility lineworkers are a hardy class of energy specialists. They blend technical knowledge with mental endurance, physical stamina, and a love of working outdoors to ensure the power stays on for homes and businesses. Lineworkers scale utility poles in all kinds of inclement weather, earning an average $20 per hour plus benefits for their efforts.

Despite the promise of lucrative, stable employment, Central Texas utilities are having a tough time finding workers prepared to fill open positions. Texas-based lineworker programs are scarce, mostly located in far eastern or western portions of the state, and local utilities have been forced to arrange their own training or recruit workers from outside the state.

ACC’s new program will change that.

“The ACC Utility Lineworker Program means more local jobs for local residents,” says Dr. Alberto Quinonez, chair of the ACC Electronics and Advanced Technologies Department, which runs the program. “We’ll be meeting an important need for employers while providing residents access to lucrative, well-paying careers.”

David Weaver recognizes a fantastic opportunity when he sees it. Already enrolled at ACC, the 27-year-old machinist switched his major to utility lineworker when he heard about the new degree program. He hopes to graduate at the end of next year.

“I was very excited when I heard about this program,” Weaver says. “I like being outside and working with my hands and not being cooped up in an office somewhere. This gets me outside, under the sun.”
And in rain, ice storms, and other foul weather.

“When everyone else is warm and cozy inside, the lineworker is outside to ensure that the lights stay on,” Terry says, pointing out that workers earn double and triple wages for such calls.

That’s fine with Weaver. “I have friends whose fathers have been lineworkers, and they loved every minute of it,” he says. “I know I will, too.”