Kankakee Valley REMC’s Zack Walters was among the 17 lineworkers who graduated in January from Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ apprenticeship program, Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP). Walters has been employed at the cooperative for six years.   

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

REAP is a four-year program that professionally trains apprentice lineworkers from across Indiana. Graduates complete 576 hours of classroom-related study and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at their electric cooperative. 

Students also complete 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 a strong balance as these individuals spend time away from family and hours dedicated to studying,” said Scott Sears, Kankakee Valley REMC CEO. “Lineworkers are the first responders at our cooperative.  Their dedication to the member-consumers is at the heart of what they do.”

“I appreciate Zack’s hard work and commitment to the cooperative,” Sears said. “We are proud to welcome him in his new position as a journeyman lineman.” 

With Walter’s graduation and promotion, Kankakee Valley REMC’s operations department includes 11 journeyman linemen.