The grant will extend the program for an additional year and provide a new class of participants with valuable training which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as equivalent to professional linemen certification programs on the U.S. mainland. Participating utilities, from each island, will provide $406,070 in combined matching contributions; bringing the total funding resulting from this grant to $845,570.
“The Pacific Lineman Training Program has been an exemplary model for building capacity and bolstering our workforce commitment and development throughout the U.S. Pacific insular areas. I am excited about the results generated by this program where support is largely geared towards the advancement of successful technical and vocational training programs that stand as a valuable resource throughout the region,” said Babauta.
In 2009, the Pacific Lineman Training Program provided a total of 38 weeks of professional lineman training and more than 1,600 hours of instruction, both in the classroom and hands-on training in the field.
In addition, six veteran linemen from Yap completed the advance certification class and received their U.S. Department of Labor certification.
“In the last five years, [Interior’s] Office of Insular Affairs has funded over $2.2 million for the Pacific Lineman Training Program to further develop a cadre of knowledgeable, professional lineman that provide their communities and the utilities service with safe and efficient electricity transmission and field expertise. This is an optimal opportunity to further expand our commitment to job creation while building on existing programs that leverage opportunities for future participants,” Babauta said.
