After serving our country in the military, veterans can train for a new career in the line trade at Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) in Georgia. SLTC offers both a 15-week electrical line work training program and an eight-week communications training program, and over the years, it has trained thousands of veterans.
SLTC is approved to certify veterans for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will pay up to 100% of program costs including a one-time stipend of $240 for books and supplies. Jared Anders, who has been at SLTC for the past six years, says it is rewarding to give veterans an opportunity to train for a career in the civilian world.
"There's really an unlimited amount of opportunities," he says. "Every utility, both in the electrical and communications industries, is looking for linemen. There's a huge need."
Our October 2022 Line Life podcast, which is sponsored by Huskie Tools, includes interviews with Anders and also Joey Abdou, who trained at SLTC while an active-duty Marine through the Skill Bridge program. Abdou recently graduated from the program in August 2022, and he talks about his experiences in the training program.
On Sept. 19, Abdou started his new job in the line trade at Island Lighting & Power out of Norfolk, Massachusetts.
"I'm working on the line crew with my oldest brother, and I'm loving it so far," he says. "I still have lots to learn but ill get to the top eventually!"
To listen to the episode, click on the link below. You can also read the full article, which was published in the 2022 Lineman Supplement, by viewing the digital edition. To learn more about the training opportunities for veterans at SLTC, visit the Web site.
Veterans in the Line Trade Podcast Series
To listen to the other two parts in this series, click on the links below. You can also follow us on Podbean to be notified when new episodes are available.
Line Life Podcast: Now on Podbean
The following are some of the recent episodes for the Line Life podcast. If you have a suggestion for a future guest or topic you would like for us to cover on our podcast, email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing back from you.
