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SLCC’s Line Worker Program Makes History with First Female Graduate in Louisiana

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Jewel Everett enrolled in South Louisiana Community College’s Power Line Worker program to prepare for a challenging career, not necessarily to set any records, but she graduated in July as the first woman to complete SLCC’s demanding program.

“I really like a challenge and like doing hard work,” explains Jewel, “that’s what made me want to do linework but also with hard work comes good money. That’s important to my future.”

Jewel, who is from Duson, completed the program along with other determined students. Charlotte LeLeux, SLCC’s Director of Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics says the instructors leading the program are veterans in the field and were thrilled to instruct Jewel.

“They are very progressive-minded, you know each field has its own personality and language and watching them make adjustments to provide the best training possible for her was wonderful and exciting,” says Charlotte. “They made sure she felt supported. That was enlightening for me.”

Jewel agrees; she believes her Lead Instructor Kevin Benoit and Adjunct Instructor Dave Clark were top-notch. She feels prepared for her career and says they really nurtured her learning.

“They were very supportive of me and always looked after me. I never felt alone, they were right there every step of the way. Whenever I went up the pole, they were right there.”

The Power Line Worker program is known to be a rigorous one, but Jewel worked through each obstacle with the rest of her class.

“Whenever I had to put the cross arm on the top of the pole, that was a challenge. It’s heavy, but it’s nothing I couldn’t overcome. The instructors were great. We found a belt small enough for me, the one we use to climb up the pole, and we adjusted the hooks for my shoe size. Safety comes first.”

Not only did Jewel climb over the glass ceiling at SLCC, she also set a record for the state. She is the first certified female line worker in Louisiana and with the help of SLCC has already started working in her field.

“I already have a job with LUS. It was a partnership; the LUS director was there whenever we graduated. A few weeks later I got an email from them, because they reached out to the class, and I got on that way,” she explains.

Charlotte LeLeux says that is part of the SLCC mission, to get these qualified workers out into the workforce as soon as possible to meet demand.

“We assist with job placement and LUS has been a foundational partner to this program. They are phenomenal partners; I was so excited they were able to attract Jewel’s attention. I know she is the first female municipal line worker in the state. What an honor for LUS to have the opportunity to work with that kind of talent from SLCC.”

Jewel has now paved the way for other women to succeed in the Power Line Worker program and she recommends the career path to anyone, man or woman, interested in working with their hands and helping their community.

“I loved it! I loved the challenge, I loved the work, I loved the instructors and I think if you’re interested in this type of work, this is the program anyone.”

SLCC’s Power Line Worker program has been around since 2019. So far, 150 line workers have been certified through the program. For anyone interested in following Jewel Everett’s footsteps, you can find out more information about the program by calling (337) 521-9028 or emailing workforce@solacc.edu or visiting the Power Line Worker program page.

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