On December 4, 2015, the NEPPA Apprentice Lineworker School graduated a class of 14 apprentice line workers. Over the last four years, this class studied the Northwest Lineman College curriculum, which covers 10 work-related topics each year. Each subject is presented by NEPPA Instructor Steve Socoby and an exam is then taken for each topic. A score of 70 is required to pass the exams and the entire class of apprentice students passed all of their tests. Matthew Tadry of Littleton Light finished the course with the highest grades with an average of 98. David Duhamel of Shrewsbury Light was close behind finishing less than one point back for the four years of study. Each week a series of practical exercises related to the classroom work was also presented in the outdoor pole yard to make the lessons more relevant. These exercises include pole climbing, pole top and bucket rescue, rigging, conductor cover-up and 3-phase transformer connections, to name only a few of the skills presented that each line worker will no doubt face as they continue their careers. Safety is always presented as the primary consideration for each line worker and is a must while working in the pole yard. Pole top and/or bucket rescue are practiced at almost every class to ensure each student will be ready to perform a rescue if the need ever arises. On the last day of class a catered graduation luncheon was enjoyed by the apprentices and supervisors followed by a presentation of Certificates of Completion from Northwest Lineman College and from Northeast Public Power Association.
