Kankakee Valley REMC’s Chris Lawler was among the 21 lineworkers who graduated from the Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP) in January.

Administrated by Indiana Electric Cooperatives, REAP is a four-year program that professionally trains apprentice lineworkers from across Indiana.

Lawler, a four-year employee with KV REMC, came to the cooperative from Walkerton Utilities where he worked as an apprentice lineman. Already with years of electrical industry experience under his belt, Lawler began the apprentice program as a second-year student.

“Lineworkers are the first-responders at our cooperative. Whether it is restoring power after a major storm or performing maintenance to keep electricity reliable and safe; their dedication to the member-consumers is at the heart of what they do,” said Scott Sears, CEO for Kankakee Valley REMC.

Program graduates completed 576 hours of classroom-related study and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at their electric cooperative. Students also completed four additional classes through Ivy Tech Community College. Upon completion of the program, graduates earn an associate of applied science and a journeyman lineman certificate.

“The REAP program demands balance as time away from family and hours of studying is required. I applaud Chris for his hard work and dedication to completing the program and welcome him to his new position as journeyman lineman at the cooperative,” said Sears.