Alabama Power bucket truck donation gives Trenholm State students hands-on path to utility careers

A bucket truck donated by Alabama Power is giving Trenholm State Community College students the chance to train with the same type of equipment they will use in the field, helping prepare the next generation of line workers and commercial drivers for careers across Alabama.

The truck, donated to Trenholm State’s Line Worker Training Program in Montgomery, will expand hands-on instruction for students learning to work safely around utility infrastructure while also supporting the college’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.

“Safe and reliable power is made possible by the highly trained men and women who build and maintain our infrastructure,” said Eric Boykin, Southern Division general manager of Power Delivery at Alabama Power. “Line Worker Training programs like the one at Trenholm State Community College are providing great careers with a bright future. Alabama Power is happy to provide them with the tools needed to further that success.”

The donation reflects Alabama Power’s broader effort to strengthen workforce development partnerships with community colleges and technical programs throughout the state, particularly in high-demand skilled trades.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the partnership we have with Trenholm,” said Quentin Riggins, senior vice president of Community Affairs and Southern Division for Alabama Power. “We are doing this all over the state, but Trenholm really has a special place here in Montgomery. They’re great careers, long-lasting careers, life-changing careers.”

Riggins said the truck will provide a more realistic training environment for students entering the utility industry.

“It has the boom in the back has a capacity of 600 pounds, so the instructor can get up there with the student and can actually walk him through some of the things they need to be doing as they’re doing work,” Riggins said. “So, it’s a great educational tool for our young people.”

Jason Watters, workforce development manager for Alabama Power, said the donation is another example of the company’s investment in education, workforce development and local communities.

“Today is just another great example of the partnership that Alabama Power prides itself with community, with education, as well as workforce,” Watters said. “And here at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, they encompass all three.”

Watters said the line worker program, now entering its fourth year at Trenholm State, helps students move directly into careers with Alabama Power and other utility employers across the state.

“These are not jobs,” Watters said. “On the first day of class, we let every student know that if you came looking for a job, you’re in the wrong program. There are no jobs within this industry, they are careers.”

The company also recruits students from surrounding communities, including Montgomery, Macon, Lee, Chilton and Bullock counties, building a pipeline for local students interested in utility and skilled trades careers.

“Why that’s important is that these jobs are not only here in the state, but here in the River Region,” Watters said. “Our students get a chance to work throughout the state, but bring their dollars back home.”

Trenholm State President Dr. Kemba Chambers said the truck donation will immediately strengthen the college’s training capabilities and provide students with valuable real-world experience.

“We’re very excited to have this partnership with Alabama Power,” Chambers said. “We have approximately a 95% placement rate alone in this line worker program. It is one of our best workforce development programs.”

“The bucket truck will enable us to have additional instruction for our students, so that they can get that real-life experience,” she said.

“Alabama Power is proud to support line worker training programs throughout the state and that includes providing important equipment like this bucket truck donation to Trenholm State Community College,” said Nicole Faulk, senior vice president of Occupational and Environmental Affairs at Alabama Power.  “Workforce development is as important today as it has ever been, and Alabama Power is proud to invest in programs and partnerships that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and help move Alabama forward.”

Visit here for more information on Trenholm State Community College’s Line Worker Training program.