Climbing Toward Certification

Training Program Teaches Proper Construction & Safety Procedures

Several Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (GCEC) employees recently began the process of becoming certified line technicians through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.

The program includes 4 years of on-the-job training under a lead line technician, 4 correspondence courses, and 3 in-person labs focused on climbing, construction, and operations.

The coursework covers math, electricity, and the fundamentals of alternating current—building blocks for understanding the trade. Students also learn about everyday tools and equipment, stringing and sagging wire, underground distribution systems, line maintenance, transformer connections, meter applications, substation operations, and how to measure voltage and current.

Hands-on labs reinforce these lessons. Participants practice tying knots, safe climbing techniques, and pole-top rescue. They build and frame lines to specifications, prepare stress cones for underground cable, and review grounding practices. The labs also cover job briefings, basic troubleshooting, transformer banking, and bucket truck safety procedures, including pre-trip inspections and rescue drills.

The program includes both written and physical tests.

While certification isn’t required at all electric cooperatives, Gulf Coast Electric believes it’s essential to ensuring safety and consistency.

“Gulf Coast Electric lineworkers are not promoted to the line technician position title until they are certified,” Chief Operations Officer Francis Hinson says. “Certification enhances not only employee knowledge, but also safety practices.”