AT&S Conference

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) announces the graduation of 14 lineworkers and one meter technician from its apprenticeship program. After four years of on-the-job training and independent study, these employees are now fully qualified to take on the vital responsibilities of ensuring safe and reliable utility service for North Dakotans. Graduates were recognized during a Jan. 9 awards ceremony at the NDAREC Apprenticeship, Training and Safety Conference.

“On behalf of NDAREC, I’d like to congratulate this year’s graduates,” says NDAREC Executive Vice President and General Manager Josh Kramer. “Lineworkers and meter technicians play a critical role in delivering the power that sustains our homes, businesses and communities. These jobs come with inherent risk, and they require a deep understanding of safety, technology and precision. By completing NDAREC’s apprenticeship program, these graduates have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their roles and power the lives of more than 250,000 North Dakotans.”

The following apprentice graduates achieved journeyman lineworker status in 2024:

• Cole Leier, Capital Electric Cooperative
• Riley Headings, McKenzie Electric Cooperative
• Chance Magilke, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative
• Layton Kasper, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative
• Dayton Seborg, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
• Tyler Kahl, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
• Jacob Lund, Nodak Electric Cooperative
• Jordan Johnson, Nodak Electric Cooperative
• Kyle Volk, North Central Electric Cooperative
• Cooper Vols, North Central Electric Cooperative
• Colton Walters, Roughrider Electric Cooperative
• Brandon Behm, Valley City Public Works
• Andy Linstrom, Verendrye Electric Cooperative
• Riley Keller, Verendrye Electric Cooperative

In 2024, Lori Wright, McKenzie Electric Cooperative, became the first woman to complete NDAREC’s meter technician apprenticeship program. As a journeyman meter technician, Wright will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the services that power the lives of the cooperative’s members.

Jacob Lund, Nodak Electric Cooperative, received this year's Outstanding Apprentice Award, which is sponsored by the North Dakota Managers Association. Lund was the highest-ranking apprentice in both related studies and on-the-job performance.

“Jake has excelled in every category of line work,” says Crew Foreman Mike Foerster, Nodak Electric Cooperative. “He brings nothing but positive energy to our crew and is a great role model for new apprentices in our cooperative.”

Over the past 56 years, more than 800 people have completed NDAREC’s apprenticeship program. To graduate, apprentices must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of study.