22 may 2025
Waverly, Va – Three Prince George Electric Cooperative apprentice linemen recently completed the four years of study and hands-on training required to receive their journeyman certification. On Friday, May 9, apprentice linemen Marshall Bryant, Austin Cherrix, and Scott Stewart graduated from the Virginia-Maryland-Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives Lineworker Technician Apprentice program.
The four-year apprentice training program consists of eight steps. Each step consists of a 32-hour workshop presented at the VMDAEC Training Center and are scheduled at six-month intervals.
Josh Krenicky, the co-op’s vice president of engineering and operations, expressed his advocacy for continued education as a crucial foundation due to the inherent dangers of their work and the level of reliable service the co-op offers. “Linemen work in hazardous environments, so rigorous hands-on training is essential to ensuring their safety,” Krenicky says. “Linemen with this type of comprehensive training are better equipped to handle the demands of the job, ensuring that they can safely operate equipment, follow safety procedures, and respond effectively in emergencies. This helps in the overall quality of service we offer to our membership.”
Austin Cherrix, has been employed as an apprentice lineman with PGEC for three years. He says that the program has been a great avenue to better himself and conquer new challenges to do what he loves. When asked what drives him each day, Austin replied: “It’s a great feeling knowing that we are doing something that helps our communities and our members.”
Scott Stewart says that being an apprentice lineman is like being a part of a family. “The camaraderie amongst these guys is unmatched.” He says that the training is critical to keeping everyone safe. “Knowing that we are our brothers’ keepers, and someone always has your back is a great feeling.”
As for Marshall Bryant, he’s thankful that the co-op offers this pathway to professional certification. “The fact that the co-op has this type of program to send employees to further their education in performing their job properly is something that speaks to our commitment to providing the service our members expect.”
An integral part of the program’s curriculum is the successful completion of the “Job Competency” requirements that are included with each curriculum package. The student must demonstrate their “Job Competency” to their utilities designated person by performing the required job tasks learned. Once the designated utility person is satisfied that the student can perform each task competently, the student is then considered qualified to perform that task.
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Prince George Electric Cooperative
Prince George Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Waverly, is a not-for-profit member-owned energy provider that serves more than 12,000 member-owners in six counties: Dinwiddie, Isle of Wight, Prince George, Southampton, Surry and Sussex. For more information go to https://pgec.coop.