SLCC Lineworker Graduates Shine at Skills Competition—Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Empowers Future Generations

 

Nearly two dozen graduates from Salt Lake Community College’s (SLCC) Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program put their skills to the test today in an exhilarating rodeo and skills competition at the Miller Campus in Sandy. The event drew a crowd of family, friends, and industry leaders, including local utility companies on the lookout for promising new talent.  

In a major boost to the program, the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation presented a generous $15,000 gift, aimed at supporting tuition assistance and funding two new rescue manikins for vital hands-on training.  

“We are thrilled to receive this generous gift from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, which helps us train the next generation of lineworkers while ensuring the highest safety standards," said Rhett Bigelow, program manager of SLCC’s Energy, Utility & Licensing Programs. “Rescue training is essential in this field, and this donation allows us to continue offering life-saving instruction at an affordable cost."

“Through the foundation, we are dedicated to supporting programs that empower the next generation and set them up for success,” said Dick Garlish, director of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and President of Rocky Mountain Power. “Local industries are in need of skilled workers, and this partnership is an excellent way to provide these opportunities to the communities.”

Challenges and Triumphs in the Field

The morning’s competitions featured three rigorous events that tested both skill and endurance:

• Egg Race Speed Climb – Lineworkers raced up poles while balancing an egg, testing their precision and control.
• Hurt-Man Rescue – A simulated emergency scenario where competitors quickly and safely retrieved an injured coworker from a utility pole. 
• Mystery Scenario – A real-world challenge requiring quick thinking and technical expertise. 

One of the competitors and new graduates, Mitchell Anderson, said the appeal of working outside and as a team drew him to this line of work. “I’ve always worked outside, and would hate an office job,” said Anderson, a former Marine. “There is a lot of camaraderie as a lineworker; it’s not unlike the Marines, where you spend every day all day together, all going through the same thing and you get along.” Anderson already has a job lined up with Morgan City, reinforcing the program’s strong 80% placement rate.  

The Draw? Making A Living Wage While Working Outside

SLCC’s Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program is part of Salt Lake Tech, a school within the Community College. The program qualifies students to be hired by Utah utility companies. Then, they spend four years training as an apprentice, earning a living, before becoming full-fledged journeymen. 

"This profession attracts people who want to work outdoors while making a solid living wage,” said Bigelow, noting that first-year apprentices can earn up to $100,000. With an increasing number of retirements in the field, programs like SLCC’s are essential for filling workforce needs.  

For more information about SLCC’s Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program, visit its website.