Kentucky Career Centers in Harlan, Bell Counties Helped Covered Training Costs for 21 Graduates
Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) congratulates the inaugural graduating class of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College’s (SKCTC) new Lineman Training Program, a milestone achievement that is already delivering real workforce results for Eastern Kentucky.
SKCTC’s first-ever lineman cohort completed an intensive, hands-on training program in December 2025 designed to prepare participants for high-demand careers in the electric utility industry. In addition to lineman-specific technical instruction, graduates also earned their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), significantly expanding their employment opportunities as they enter the workforce.
EKCEP supported this inaugural class by helping cover program costs for 21 graduates through partnerships with Kentucky Career Center teams at Harlan County Community Action Agency and Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency. These partnerships helped remove financial barriers and allowed students to fully focus on training, safety, and skill development.
For recent graduate Devin Baker of Bell County, the program provided a fast and direct pathway from high school to employment. Baker, who graduated high school in May, has already secured employment in the field and plans to continue advancing his career.
“The plan now is just get my name out there, try to learn as much as I can, move up in ranks, make a living out of it,” he said.
Another graduate, Blake Hensley of Harlan County, emphasized the quality of instruction and the program’s focus on safety, teamwork, and real-world readiness. He credited the instructors with helping students succeed and transition quickly into employment.
“They make sure you know what you’re doing — about safety, brotherhood,” he said. “It’s a really good class. I learned a lot.”
The early success of this first cohort highlights the program’s impact and the strong demand for skilled linemen across the region. Several graduates secured employment even before completing the program.
“This program is already making a real difference, and we commend the team at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College for the effort they put forth to get this initiative off the ground,” said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “We are proud to work with the college and our Community Action partners to help support these students as they earn industry-recognized credentials and connect with good-paying careers that power our region.”
For more information about workforce training opportunities and supportive services, visit ekcep.org.