Campus News

The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham has awarded a grant of $49,500 to Calhoun Community College for its Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program, which will be specifically geared towards women.

According to Houston Blackwood, director of Calhoun Workforce Solutions (CWS), the investment will assist with recruiting, as well as provide free training for ten (10) female students who are interested in pursuing a career as a line woman. “The course, as well as the field of line worker employment, has always been historically dominated by males,” said Blackwood. “In the past, female students have participated in our courses, but the completion rate for those students has remained low.

The course is ideal for physically active women who are looking for an exciting career working outdoors. The curriculum for the program is designed to provide one-on-one custom training that meets industry standards. Students must have the physical ability to climb up an 80-foot pole. OSHA 10 safety training, first aid, and CPR as well as obtaining a CDL license upon completion is also included in this custom training program.

Those who wish to be considered for one of the free slots must meet the following criteria:

• Female
• Have children
  • *FREE Childcare is available during instruction time
• Must meet federal income guidelines

“We continue to see a growing demand for skilled line workers,” commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “Our goal is to provide companies with qualified individuals who are equipped to do the job, but to also expose women to this profession as this is a job they could succeed in as well,” added Burke.

To learn more about this program, as well as how to register, visit www.calhoun.edu/lineworker. If you have any additional questions, please contact Houston Blackwood at 256-306-2664. Register Now!

All media inquiries should contact Calhoun’s Public Relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.

About The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham

Founded in 1996, The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham has invested over $5 million in initiatives, research, and policy to strengthen our community by building equitable opportunities for women. Driven by research, we identify and fund innovative solutions to address critical needs and remove barriers to create deep, long-lasting change for our region and state. As Alabama’s first and only philanthropic foundation solely addressing the unique needs of women and girls, we leverage the resources of generous individuals, nonprofits, corporate partners, and community leaders to build a world where all women thrive. By accelerating opportunities for all women, we also strengthen entire families and communities today and for generations to come.