Hackett Becomes Journeyman

In January, Mitchell “P.J.” Hackett successfully completed the classroom component of the Lineworker Apprentice Program with the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives and the Northwest Lineman’s College. In February, his foreman and the line superintendent validated his on-the-job training certifying him as a licensed journeyman lineworker in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

To become a journeyman, Hackett completed over 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 240 hours of classroom instruction over the last five years. The training included simulated hot work, or work energized, underground and overhead line construction and repair, reading maps and staking sheets, troubleshooting, equipment use, fundamentals of electrical engineering and transmission, compliance and standards, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and more.

“There are tests both in the classroom and on-the-job, there’s so much to be learned to become a journeyman lineworker,” says Blaine Salmans, manager of safety and security and a journeyman lineworker. “The training is incredibly involved, but so important to the safety and success of any lineworker.”

Even though he completed eight steps of classroom education, Hackett will continue his education. All lineworkers receive continuing education and training throughout their careers.

“We are incredibly proud of P.J.,” says Bobby Franklin, line superintendent and a journeyman lineworker. “Completing this training is difficult, but P.J. excelled in the program. He is a valuable member of our linework team here at NNEC.”