Northwest Iowa Community College’s nationally recognized Powerline program is receiving another boost through a $15,000 donation from North West Rural Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
The contribution was made possible through Basin Electric’s Matching Donation Fund, which is designed to support charitable giving and strengthen communities served by rural electric cooperatives.
Basin Electric, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, serves as the primary power supplier for Lyon County Rural Electric Cooperative, Osceola Electric Cooperative, North West REC, and Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.
Kristi Landis, Director of College Advancement at Northwest Iowa Community College, says partnerships with utility companies and electric cooperatives are critical to maintaining strong workforce training programs.
Landis says NCC’s Powerline program has built a strong reputation over decades of workforce development. The program began graduating students in 1968 and has now produced more than 2,200 lineworkers.
Industry demand for skilled lineworkers also continues to remain strong, according to Landis.
The funding will help NCC continue upgrading training facilities and equipment used by students in the program. Landis says the college has been replacing older equipment while also expanding its fleet of training vehicles.
Landis says the 11-month Powerline program currently carries a multi-year waiting list, reflecting ongoing interest in skilled trades careers and the opportunities available in the utility industry.
She says students are drawn to the field because of the strong wages, hands-on work, outdoor environment, and variety that come with the job.
According to NCC, many graduates go on to work for utilities and cooperatives throughout northwest Iowa and surrounding states.
