Press Releases, Student Life

NCC Holds Electric Line Construction Graduation and Signing Event

Nash Community College celebrated its Electric Line Construction Technology program Third Class certificate graduates on Thursday, May 9, 2019 with a pole climbing rodeo, graduation ceremony and signing event.

“Attrition in the utility industry, resulting from retirement, has increased the urgency for NCC to train students in Electric Line Construction Technology. It is important for this college to invest in in training a highly-skilled workforce and to be a step ahead in responding to industry needs,” NCC President Dr. Bill Carver said. “These individuals are part of a premier program that takes pride in preparing students to operate safely and successfully as valuable members of utility teams.”

The day began at 8:30 AM on NCC’s utility pole training field as Electric Line Construction students competed in a rodeo demonstrating their skills in protected grounding, climbing obstacles and hurt man rescue techniques. With approximately 100 family members, friends and supporters looking on, the students earned points for safety, and were timed during the competition. Winners of the rodeo are: Jacob Zais (First Place), David McKeel (Second Place) and Matthew Miller (Third Place).

Nash Community College’s Electric Line Construction curriculum prepares students for line construction in rural and utility settings through laboratory and practical applications. NCC students master competencies including elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power system, transformer installations, and more. An emphasis on safety is embedded in Nash Community College’s program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training.

“NCC’s program would not be what it is today without the foresight President Carver had more than twenty years ago, along with the integral role our utility partners play as we work together to create a program with a reputation of graduating skilled, safety minded, career-ready line technicians,” Vice President of Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer Wendy Marlowe said.

Congratulations to the following Nash Community College Class of 2019 Electric Line Construction Technology – Third Class graduates:

  • Joshua Boone of Benson
  • Jonathan Bullard of Shannon
  • Jared Butler of Wilson
  • Tra Campbell of Tarboro
  • Christopher Carlos of Clayton
  • Turner Davis of Fuquay Varina
  • Ryan Eagle of Willow Spring
  • Cody Fisher of Fayetteville
  • Dustin Gouldman of Henderson
  • Sam Harper of Wilmington
  • Jonathan Hillis of Rocky Mount
  • David Langford of Spring Hope
  • Logan Mazingo of Nashville
  • David McKeel of Roanoke Rapids
  • Matthew Miller of Dunn
  • Raymond Powell of Wilson
  • Brian Upchurch of Coats
  • Jacob Zais of Clayton


During the career signing event, the following individuals made commitments to begin their careers with electric line and utility employers:

  • Jonathan Bullard, PWC-Fayetteville
  • Jared Butler, Pike
  • Turner Davis, Pike
  • Ryan Eagle, Four County Electric Membership Corporation
  • Cody Fisher, Pike
  • Jonathan Hillis, Forbes Brothers Timberline
  • Logan Mazingo, Forbes Brothers Timberline
  • David McKeel, Pike
  • Matthew Miller, Pike
  • Raymond Powell, Edgecombe/Martin Electric Membership Corporation
  • Jacob Zais, Forbes Brothers Timberline
  • Nicholas Fleming, 2018 graduate, of Nashville, City of Wilson
  • Danny Radford, of Roanoke Rapids, Pike

For more information, please call 252-451-8379.