Representatives of Choptank Electric Cooperative and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives open the new training center on the Eastern Shore.
The Choptank Electric Cooperative’s new lineworker training facility is now operational in Salisbury, Md. In partnership with the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, the apprentice lineworker eight-step training program started on Nov. 8.
The eight-stage program is required for all apprentice lineworkers to receive their journeyman status.
In attendance to welcome trainees were Mike Malandro, president and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative; Jeff Rathell, chairman of the board and director for Talbot County, and Donna West, director for Worcester County, along with VMDAEC representation and Choptank Electric Cooperative’s safety and training department.
“I am pleased that we could launch this partnership,” said Malandro. “Education and training are vital to this field. This facility will foster lifelong friendships and partnerships for many years to come.”
“We are thankful for the opportunity that Choptank Electric Cooperative afforded us to expand our education and training program to the Eastern Shore,” said Alan Scruggs, vice president of safety, training, & education for the VMDAEC. “This makes training more accessible for utility workers in Delaware and Maryland.”
For information about the program and enrollment, contact Dirrick Simmons at 434-510-4000 or [email protected].
—Report by Beth Hallett, Manager of Marketing and Communications, Choptank Electric Cooperative