The Future of Our Cooperative is in Good Hands

Investing Today

At Cass County Electric Cooperative, some begin 40 feet in the air, climbing a pole, learning hands-on, and building the skills that keep power flowing to our members every day.

Lineworkers are often the first to respond when the lights go out. They are the ones working through wind, snow, heat, and long hours to restore power safely and quickly. That responsibility does not come overnight. It is built through years of training, mentorship, and real-world experience.

That is where CCEC’s lineworker apprenticeship program comes in.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program is designed to develop the next generation of lineworkers through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training in the field. Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of structured training, including 7,000 hours alongside experienced journeyman lineworkers and 1,000 hours of classroom education.

It is not a desk job. It is a career that challenges individuals to think, adapt, and solve problems in real time.

Apprentices gain experience across every part of the electric system, from setting poles and working with overhead lines to troubleshooting outages and maintaining underground infrastructure. The training is intentionally broad, giving apprentices the opportunity to rotate through different service areas and learn from multiple crews.

But one thing remains constant, no matter the task or location.

Safety comes first

From day one, apprentices are trained to approach every job with a safety-first mindset. That includes learning proper climbing techniques, using protective equipment, understanding electrical hazards, and participating in regular safety meetings. Safety is not just a step in the process. It is the foundation of the entire program.

That focus carries through every stage of the apprenticeship, ensuring that when apprentices advance to journeyman lineworkers, they are not only skilled, but prepared to protect themselves, their crew, and the members they serve.

The program also provides a clear path forward. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and continued training, apprentices build the confidence and capability needed to take on one of the most important roles in the cooperative.

For CCEC, investing in apprentices is an investment in reliability.

Every trained lineworker strengthens the cooperative’s ability to respond to outages, maintain infrastructure, and serve a growing membership. It is a commitment to keeping the lights on, today and in the future.

Because behind every powered home, farm, and business is a team of lineworkers who trained for this moment.

And for this year’s apprentices, that journey is already underway.