Cleveland Community College's (CCC) Electrical Lineworker Academy has been recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program by ApprenticeshipNC. This award highlights the academy's success in preparing students for careers in the energy sector through rigorous training, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to workforce development.
"I am so proud of our Electrical Lineworker Academy, and those who have worked to make it a success," said Dr. Jason Hurst, president of CCC. "We recently graduated the 30th class, and it's a wonderful feeling to know we've now helped hundreds of students get their start in such a great career."
Since its launch in 2017, the Electrical Lineworker Academy has built a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates. The program consistently achieves a 100% job offer rate for graduates, with students receiving employment opportunities before completing the program.
A key factor in the academy's success is its experienced instructors, who are veteran lineworkers with decades of hands-on industry experience. The curriculum focuses on technical training, safety protocols, and real-world applications, preparing students for the demanding and rewarding career of a lineworker. The academy's affordability and high-quality instruction have drawn students from across the country and even internationally.
The academy's accomplishments are bolstered by strong community and industry partnerships, including Duke Energy, Utility Lines Construction Services, City of Shelby, City of Kings Mountain, and City of Gastonia. These organizations provide invaluable support, ensuring students have access to high-quality training and career opportunities.
On March 11, 2025, during ApprenticeshipNC's annual awards ceremony in Durham, N.C., the Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program Award was presented to CCC representatives Alan Qualls, Sharon Nivens, Amy Dulin, and Bruce Mack, along with Craig DeBrew from Duke Energy.

About ApprenticeshipNC
Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), ApprenticeshipNC (ANC) is the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) operating under the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). ApprenticeshipNC registers apprenticeship programs tailored to meet employers' needs--providing structured on-the-job learning, supplemental education, and a progressive wage scale to help grow North Carolina's skilled workforce.
For more information about Cleveland Community College's Electrical Lineworker Academy, visit clevelandcc.edu.
Submitted by Paula Vess