By Mark Bashore, WKAR News
LANSING, MI – http://wkar.org/images/library/programs/REWMI-120.jpg
A wave of retiring utility pole-climbers in Michigan has led to plans to train more workers in Lansing. This winter, Lansing Community College will work with the Lansing Board of Water and Light, Consumers Energy and others to help train some of the estimated 1,200 line workers needed in the state by 2014.
Mattie McKinney with Consumers' Energy says applicants will need to feel comfortable with certain job requirements.
"Their abilities to climb and feel comfortable with climbing, those types of skills that's required in the position," she says. "Individuals either pass that orientation, or they don't."
The LCC program will utilize a new facility at the school's west campus. The U.S. Department of Labor is contributing a $4 million grant to statewide training efforts.
Line workers earn a base salary of more than $55,000 a year. Overtime opportunities can push incomes much higher.
reWorking Michigan
For more on job creation and workforce evolution in Michigan, visit WKAR.org/reworkingmichigan