August 21, 2024
Chattanooga, TN — Today was “signing day” for nearly two dozen individuals, most of whom are from underrepresented communities, who have chosen to pursue a career in the electrical and communications linework industries. Flanked by their families and cheered on by local leaders, these future professional lineworkers took their first step toward earning a thriving wage right here in Hamilton County.
Local leaders in attendance included Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Keri Randolph of Chattanooga 2.0, Dr. Sonia Stewart of Hamilton County Schools, David Powell of the Southern Lineman Training Center (SLTC), Ketha Richardson of EPB and the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Grant Rains from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and representatives from TVA and the Benwood Foundation.
The Viable Pathways in Lineworker Program is the result of partnerships between the aforementioned entities intended to curate a pipeline of local, highly trained lineworkers to serve our community and to help young people begin a professional, well-paid career right here in the Chattanooga area.
“Well-paid, long-term careers are an essential component to every thriving community, which is why Chattanooga 2.0 is proud to work with our partners to connect students with employment opportunities such as the lineworkers profession,” said Keri Randolph, Ed.LD, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0.
“Lineworking is a high quality, skilled profession with the potential for tremendous growth opportunity,” said Ketha Richardson, director of Inclusion, Diversity and Corporate Training at EPB. “Professionals can be proud of their role as first responders and essential community resources. They help communities grow by creating new infrastructure, keep the lights on to support learning in schools and head into storms to restore power while many of us are sheltered.”
“Hamilton County is at its best when the public and private sector team up for the benefit of our students—and there’s nothing more important than equipping our young people with a set of skills that can lead to a living wage job and small business ownership,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “As a community, this is the greatest investment we can make, and I’m grateful to Chattanooga 2.0 for taking charge and showing leadership to make this happen.”
“Because EPB is a city-owned utility, Chattanooga has a proud tradition of leadership and innovation in this space, and this group of new line workers will carry that legacy forward, as we work to reform our workforce development system. Simply put, this program creates more opportunities for great careers for people who historically haven’t had access to them. These young professionals look like our community, and I hope they’ll inspire Chattanoogans of all backgrounds to consider a career in this essential industry,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “I want to thank all the local institutions who have helped train this group of talented young professionals. This level of community partnership, intentional inclusion, and economic empowerment is a model of One Chattanooga values.”
About Chattanooga 2.0
Chattanooga 2.0 was established in 2016 and is a small nonprofit that works to change systems in order to impact generational changes in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, TN. The ultimate goal is to improve economic opportunity and quality of life — and Chattanooga 2.0 believes education attainment is the first step. From early childhood education to the attainment of a thriving wage career, the small team leads initiatives to remove systemic barriers and provide intentional supports to children, students, and their families. Chattanooga 2.0 convenes and leads community groups such as Early Matters, Great Teachers Great Leaders, the Out of School Time Alliance, and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Children’s Cabinet.
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Media Contact:
Austin Cantrell
Austin@BridgePublicAffairs.com
