For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2025
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
Laurel Ridge began offering the first pre-apprenticeship Power Line Worker program north of Richmond last month, and on Thursday broke ground on the new pole yard and pole circle being built for the initiative. Laurel Ridge officials were joined by energy company representatives, area legislators and the first cohort of students.
“Power line workers are the unsung heroes,” said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions, which is putting on the course.
They work outside in all kinds of weather conditions “to keep our lights on, our homes safe and our communities connected.”
A 6,000-square-foot facility will be built behind the Student Union Building at the north end of the Middletown Campus. It should be ready by late 2026, said President Kim Blosser.
She noted the 30-foot poles students will be climbing won’t be electrified.
“This will be our region’s first open-access program for entry-level power workers,” said Dr. Blosser.
The other two Virginia community colleges offering Power Line Worker programs – Wytheville and Southside Virginia – are hundreds of miles away, she noted.
“In this industry sector, there are many, many good jobs, but not nearly enough employees for those jobs,” said Dr. Blosser.
Establishing the Power Line program costs about $6 million, she said.
“It’s a very, very heavy lift for us financially, but we could not build this program and many others if it wasn’t for our educational foundation and all the generous support that we get from folks in our communities to help us,” Dr. Blosser said.
A $500,000 grant from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education was used to purchase two bucket trucks, and a $400,000 Go Virginia grant helped with the expense of buying equipment and hiring an instructor.
“As a proud graduate of Laurel Ridge, I’m so honored to now represent this college, this community as a state delegate,” said Del. Delores Oates. “I can say without hesitation the opportunities offered here are life changing. For far too long, the path to success has been portrayed as one size fits all.”
Attending a four-year college is not the single way to succeed – community colleges offer skilled trades programs that are affordable, accessible and adaptable, she said.
“I was surprised that in 14 weeks you could become contributing members of the economy,” said Del. Oates. “The ever-increasing demand for energy provided the impetus for the creation of this program and the result is a huge win for our community. This is another example of how Workforce Solutions’ programs benefit the community.
“This college is an engine for transformation and a pillar of our community.”
The 12 students in the first class of Power Line Workers will earn seven industry-recognized credentials: CDL, heavy equipment operator, power industry fundamentals, power line worker level 1, Virginia Department of Transportation work zone flagger-intermediate, OSHA 10 and first aid/CPR. Until Laurel Ridge’s new pole yard opens, the final 3½ weeks of the program will be completed at Southside Community College in Blackstone.
2025 Rappahannock County High School graduate Bradley Settle was already familiar with Workforce Solutions, having completed two semesters at the Skilled Trades Academy at the Fauquier Campus. He earned credentials in core craft skills, plumbing level 1 and heating, ventilation and air conditioning level 1 while still in high school.
“It’s really good,” Settle said of the Power Line Worker program. “I love all the hands-on work.”
For Stephens City resident Derrick DeHaney, the program was the opportunity for a career change. The 2009 Sherando High School graduate had been used to working several jobs at once as a carpenter, maintenance man and security guard.
“I wanted to broaden my horizons,” he said. “I saw the program advertised on Facebook and in the paper, and I jumped on it fast. It seemed like a good opportunity. Everybody needs power. There’s job security, great pay. I’ve got two little ones. I’ve got to take care of them.
“This is something that I just wanted to do, and I’m just more proud of myself than I could ever be. It’s amazing. The first four weeks, we went through CDL training. We all passed. I’m very, very happy and very proud to be here and am taking it as a blessing. Working two to three jobs is something that I just don’t need to do anymore.”
The average starting pay for power workers is about $70,000. Tuition for the program is $16,600, but grant funding, including through the G3 program, will cover all costs for eligible students.
For now, Workforce Solutions will be offering two Power Line Worker programs a year, going up to three once the pole yard and training facility are finished. The next class starts in April, with an information session scheduled for Feb. 26. Learn more about the program at laurelridgeworkforce.com/powerline.
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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
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