Twenty-two lineworkers recently graduated from Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ (IEC) apprenticeship program, Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP), including our very own Daylon Ulrich.

REAP is a four-year program that professionally trains apprentice lineworkers from across Indiana. Graduates complete 612 hours of classroom-related study and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at their electric cooperative. Cooperative apprentices also complete four additional classes through Ivy Tech Community College. After completing the program, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science and a journeyman lineman certificate.

“Lineworkers are the backbone of our operations, and their dedication to their communities and the consumers of Indiana’s electric cooperatives is outstanding,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training, and compliance at IEC. “We are proud to have these hardworking individuals as part of the cooperative family.”

During the banquet, IEC CEO John Cassady told graduates, “We encourage our member cooperatives to passionately pursue a culture of safety, which starts with thoroughly educating employees about electric systems. We are proud of this elite apprenticeship program that has provided you with an educational experience to safely pursue a career as an electric line professional.”