With this funding, Martin Community College launched its Apprentice Line Technician Academy, which was a training program that provided students with the skills necessary to become entry-level technicians qualified for employment with electric utility companies, co-ops, and private cable and power companies. The college intended to enroll 10 students in the first academy and aimed to grow to 20 per class. The electrical operations pathway, which was offered in the area high schools in Fall 2020, helped with recruiting for the program. Key industry partners (Dominion Power, Edgecombe/Martin Electric, Halifax Electric, Electric Cities, and Roanoke Electric) provided input in curriculum development, some equipment for the program, and/or job opportunities for which program participants/completers could interview. These partners projected their demand to be 240 to 450 workers over the next 3 to 5 years. Golden LEAF funds were used for supplies, student materials/equipment, and training equipment. The College expected State funding based on student enrollment to sustain the program in future years.
