The Choptank Electric Cooperative’s new lineworker training facility is now operational in Salisbury, MD. In partnership with the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC), the apprentice lineworker eight-step training program started on Monday, Nov. 8.

The eight-stage program is required for all apprentice lineworkers to receive their journeyman status.

In attendance to welcome trainees were Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative; Jeff Rathell, Chairman of the Board and Director for Talbot County, and Donna West, Director for Worcester County, along with VMDAEC representation and Choptank Electric Cooperative’s safety and training department.

“I am pleased that we could launch this partnership,” said Mike Malandro. “Education and training are vital to this field. This facility will foster life-long friendships and partnerships for many years to come.”

"We are excited to host such an outstanding training center with top-notch trainers and a comprehensive curriculum. While we are sorry to lose the experience and education of our Manager of Training & Safety, Jim Harvey to retirement, we have assembled a talented team who will continue to train linemen from across the region for many years to come. By including other utilities from around the region, we create opportunities to share knowledge and experiences we may not have otherwise had," said Lance Lockerman, Vice President of Operations.

“We are thankful for the opportunity that Choptank Electric Cooperative afforded us to expand our education and training program to the Eastern Shore,” said Alan Scruggs, Vice President of Safety, Training, & Education for the VMDAEC. “This makes training more accessible for utility workers in Delaware and Maryland.”

For information about the program and enrollment, contact Dirrick Simmons at 434-510-4000 or TrainingCenter@vmdaec.com.