HUGO, Okla. – Students completing the Electrical Lineman Training Program at Kiamichi Tech graduated on Thursday, Dec. 18. Kiamichi Tech administration, program instructors, industry partners, friends and families celebrated the graduates at the Hugo campus. The graduates of the program are: 

Blade Barrett
Chet Coffey 
Roper Hesterlee 
James Kellam 
Kova Sadler 
Draven Weaver 
Dillon Williams 
Brendon Wofford 
Lake Wooten 

The commencement ceremony included congratulatory remarks from Shelley Free, Kiamichi Tech Superintendent, and a special message to the graduates and their families from James Malone, program instructor.  

“With this program, we wanted to bring quality training to our community that would play a pivotal role in the workforce development of this rapidly growing industry,” said Free in her address to the graduates. “You are quick learners, adept in your skills, and have amazing work ethic—all qualities our workforce partners are looking for when hiring.” 

This 21-week training prepares students for a career as an electric utility lineman and includes certifications in CPR, pole top rescue, heavy equipment operation, OSHA 10, and customer service. Students also have the opportunity to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

“Lineman who enter the job market with a CDL can earn as much as $10,000 more per year, compared to those without,” said Malone. “This is a big deal for our graduates and a testament to the work put into building this program.” 

The program garnered significant community and industry support, with partnerships with local electric cooperatives and construction companies that led to internships and job opportunities for graduates. Industry partners include Choctaw Electric Cooperative, Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Fannin County Electrical Cooperative, Gordon Construction, Greeneville Transformers, Kiamichi Electric Cooperative, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Red River Valley Electric Cooperative. Financial support for the program was provided by Dynamic Workforce Solutions and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.  

For more information about the Electrical Lineman Training Program and future classes, contact the Workforce and Economic Development Center at 580-326-6491 or email traininghugo@ktc.edu.