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HomeBusinessSt. Croix business30 WAPA Employees Graduate From PowerLine Workers Apprenticeship Program

30 WAPA Employees Graduate From PowerLine Workers Apprenticeship Program

WAPA linemen participate in training sessions on the grounds of the Reichhold Center in September 2021. (Submitted photo)

Last week saw 30 Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) employees graduate from a rigorous three-year PowerLine Workers Apprenticeship Program to become fully certified electrical lineworkers. The program, certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, is “designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of utility employees in this field,” said Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), the non-profit organization that provided strategic and technical training over the last three years to authority employees.

“The great thing about this program is it allows existing employees to expand their skillset through the utilization of industry best practices and safety standards. This program ensures line workers are qualified to perform their duties and equips them with the knowledge to perform their work safely,” said Ashley

WAPA linemen in training (Submitted photo)

Bryan, director of transmission and distribution at the authority.

On St. Thomas, a collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands provided the use of the Reichhold Center for the Arts grounds to conduct training, while on St. Croix, the Agricultural Fair Grounds served as the primary training space.

As the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority continues to prioritize the safety of its employees and being able to serve the community effectively, programs like the PowerLine Workers Apprenticeship help accomplish both goals.

“One of the most obvious components that directly impacts the success of an organization is its employees. Placing our team members in positions for continued growth and professional advancement is not only beneficial to the individual receiving the training, but also valuable in helping the Authority continue in a progressive direction,” said CEO Andrew Smith.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority extends congratulations to the newly certified Lineworkers. “This is a tremendous accomplishment. and we are proud to have such highly skilled employees serving our community,” said Sabrina King-Leonce, director of human resources.

Funding for employees to complete the program was provided through two grants awarded to the WAPA by the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.

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