City of Rocky Mount Donates Third Bucket Truck to NCC Electric Line Program

The city of Rocky Mount Energy Resources department has donated a bucket truck to the Electric Line Construction Technology program at Nash Community College. This is the third truck the city has donated to the program.

“This donation gives our students the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to effectively operate bucket trucks prior to entering the field,” Carla Dunston, NCC dean of Continuing Education said. “We are so grateful to the city of Rocky Mount for their long standing partnership. This program would not exist without the strong support from utility partners.”

The City’s fleet donation includes a single person bucket truck, a line truck with the capacity to dig holes and set poles and most recently the two-person bucket truck.

“The two-person truck will expand our capacity for training with a bigger truck and double the bucket weight rating,” Electric Line Construction instructor Brandon Shook said. “With the addition of this truck, the instructor can go up in the bucket with the student to closely monitor equipment operation as students are learning. Previously, instruction was provided from the ground before sending a student up alone in the single occupant bucket.” Shook said students will also have more time learning truck controls during class.

“The City has benefited greatly from the program at Nash,” said Darryl Strother, operations manager with Rocky Mount Energy Resources. “We have hired several of the graduates.”

NCC Electric Line Construction Technology students learn elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power systems, transformer installations and more. An emphasis on safety is embedded in the program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training. With the short-term training, they are prepared for high paying, in-demand positions in the utility sector.

“Our program is known throughout the state for preparing students for real-world utility careers,” Wendy Marlowe, NCC vice president of Corporate and Economic Development/Chief Economic Development Officer said. “For decades, employers have recruited from us confidently knowing NCC graduates master competencies prior to entering the workforce, and are ready to face the demands of utility work.”