The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is proud to announce the graduation of 14 lineworkers from its apprenticeship program. Graduates were recognized during a awards ceremony, which was held in conjunction with NDAREC’s Apprenticeship, Training and Safety Conference, Jan. 12.

“On behalf of NDAREC, I’d like to congratulate this year’s graduates,” says NDAREC Safety Services Director Christy Roemmich. “It is critical for North Dakota’s electric cooperatives to plan for the future and train our workforce. Apprenticeship is an important part of that plan. Our apprentices recognize the value of paid on-the-job training coupled with a robust educational component that helps build generational greatness in our industry.” 

The following lineworkers graduated from the apprenticeship program in 2022: 

• Steven Vilipski, Central Power Electric Cooperative

• Kirk Praus, KEM Electric Cooperative

• Brody Vose, McKenzie Electric Cooperative

• Hunter Bowker, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

• Jordan Carpenter, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

• Alex Larson, Nodak Electric Cooperative

• Courtney LaRocque, North Central Electric Cooperative

• Brody Moum, North Central Electric Cooperative

• Laine Hoyt, Northern Plains Electric Cooperative

• Brett Obritsch, Slope Electric Cooperative

• Cade Bright, Verendrye Electric Cooperative

• Nathan Engelhart, Verendrye Electric Cooperative

• Kolter Schell, Verendrye Electric Cooperative

• Scott Moe II, 3 C Construction

Jordan Carpenter, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), received this year's Outstanding Apprentice Award, which is sponsored by the North Dakota Managers Association. Carpenter was the highest-ranking apprentice in both related studies and on-the-job performance. MWEC Operations Manager Matt Glueckert believes Carpenter will be a leader in his cooperative and community for years to come.

"His pursuit of knowledge is unwavering and relentless.  He is willing to help anyone in need of assistance and constantly works to improve himself professionally.  Jordan’s work ethic and positive energy are contagious and regardless of how difficult the situation he can find a way to keep a positive attitude. He has grown to become a great lineman and we are proud to have him on our crew,” Glueckert says.

Over the past 64 years, more than 700 people have completed the program. To graduate, apprentices must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and more than 400 hours of study.