News

BIC's H-Volt Academy celebrates 14 new graduates

Fourteen new high voltage line workers graduated from UA-PTC Business and Industry Center’s (BIC) rigorous 17-week H-VOLT Academy training course at a commencement ceremony held Dec. 21 at UA-PTC Main Campus.

The H-VOLT (High Voltage Lineman Training) Academy is a customized training program hosted by the UA-PTC Business and Industry Center that equips students with the industry-specific skills for entry level employment as a line worker. Graduates receive an industry-recognized National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credential.

“This program is designed to assist our students in reaching their full potential and equipping them with the job skills that employers need. 93% of our graduates gain employment, and the employers can rest assured these students are ready for work, dedicated to the mission of the energy sector. Most of these students have already accepted employment, and two are actually working tonight,” said BIC director, Sharon Cantrell.

UA-PTC Interim Chancellor, Dr. Ana Hunt, Provost and Incoming Chancellor Dr. Summer DeProw, program instructors Brian Kelley, David Oliver, and David Fleeman and the graduates' friends and families were on hand to mark the occasion.

During the ceremony Special Awards were presented to the following students:

• Perfect attendance: Jacob Stafford, Drew Domrase, Cesar Silva Jr., and Stephen Hughes.
• Safety Conscious: Cesar Silva Jr
• Overall Leadership: James Wills
• Most Improved: Alex Hughes
• Best Climber: Luke Pelton
• Instructor choice: James Wills

Congratulations are in order for all cohort graduates:

• William Black
• James Burks, IV
• Michael Cervantes
• Drew Domrase
• Tanner Hadaway
• Stephen Hughes
• Jonathan Kelly
• Luke Pelton
• Cesar Silva
• Jacob Stafford
• Aidan Stratton
• Colten Williams
• James Wills
• Devon Zobrest