When AEP Ohio broke ground in 1999 on its new line school, the company had simple ambitions—to replace its aging facility in southeast Columbus and create a place to train the next generation of lineworkers. More than 20 years later, the distribution training center in Groveport has accomplished these goals and more, including a novel training program.
The apprenticeship, which includes roughly 175 students annually, was certified by the United States Department of Labor in 2012 for its standards of excellence in instructing distribution lineworkers, who visit two weeks at a time over a four-year period for a total of eight sessions.
Growing Alongside New Technology & Tools
The program has evolved through the years and grown with AEP as we’ve updated training for new tools, policies and procedures. The instructors are focused on bringing new adult learning methods and technology into the classrooms.
Others in the utility world also recognize the value in Groveport’s high-quality, safety-oriented program. This year alone, the school added nearly 30 non-AEP students from nearby utilities and other private companies.
In late June, the line school recognized its 100th graduating class.
Graduate Alex Kaufman, a Columbus area line mechanic, found the school to be extremely valuable thanks to the opportunity to learn from seasoned lineworkers.
“Having the retirees there was a really beneficial thing,” Alex said. “Out in the field, you don’t always have someone there with 50 years of experience so it was great to learn from them.”
Ever dreamed of an outdoor office? Learn more about a career in linework.
