From left: Eric Fontenot, SLCC Power Lineman Instructor; Greg Coco, Cleco vice president of transmission and distribution operations; James Lass, Cleco general manager of distribution operations and emergency management; Jermaine Ford, SLCC associate vice president of workforce and economic development; Charlotte LeLeux, SLCC CDL program manager; and Shelia Charles, SLCC Crowley campus director.
Today, Cleco made a $50,000 contribution to South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) to help establish their Power Lineman Technician Training Program to be housed at the community college’s Crowley campus.
The four month program trains students to build, repair and maintain electrical systems for private and public utility companies. In addition, students receive hands-on safety training that includes best practices when framing and building overhead lines, operating a bucket truck and conducting extensive free-climbing.
“Cleco recognizes the need for skilled, trained line workers in Louisiana and is focused on bridging the gap between our industry and education to enhance our workforce,” said James Lass, Cleco general manager of distribution operations and emergency management. “Adding skill and knowledge to our fleet of line mechanics allows Cleco to better serve our customers and communities every day and in times of natural disaster.”
Upon graduation from the program, students will receive a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification, be qualified for employment and receive job placement assistance. The program is set to begin in January 2019.
“SLCC is excited to partner with Cleco and other local utility companies to establish the Power Lineman Technician program,” said Jermaine Ford, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at SLCC. “We are committed to meeting local workforce needs and creating high-wage, high-demand opportunities for Acadiana’s residents. This investment from Cleco speaks volumes of their commitment to workforce development in this community.”
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Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy company that conducts substantially all of its business operation through its primary subsidiary, Cleco Power. Cleco Power is a regulated electric utility company that owns nine generating units with a total nameplate capacity of 3,310 MWs and serves approximately 290,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana and Mississippi. For more information about Cleco, visit us at www.cleco.com.
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 15,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.