A partnership between Oncor and Dallas-Fort Worth area schools is wiring a new generation of Line Workers for the future.

In 2017, Oncor launched the Secondary Education Outreach Program (SEOP) to promote awareness of Oncor and help the company recruit a diverse workforce from the communities we serve. The partnerships Oncor has developed with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) and Tarrant County College (TCC), have created internship opportunities for students in the program

Through the program, students from Wilmer Hutchins High School and TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School, who had already graduated from their schools with an associate’s degree, attend the Electrical Line Technician program at TCC South to obtain their credentials and become an Oncor Line Worker.

Students begin by learning the fundamentals of operating electric equipment through rigorous classroom work. They then move to hands-on activities and projects designed to test their knowledge of electric equipment and workplace safety.

Oncor employees give presentations to the students on company policies, procedures and company culture.

Oncor covers the cost of tuition, books, personal protective equipment and other tools required for the training. That way, the students can focus solely on their studies to reach success. The program also compensates students for their work and closely evaluates them on their progress.

 “My favorite part of the program is getting to work hands-on outside of the classroom,” said A’avon Buster, a program participant. “The bookwork gives us a good base to start learning and we put that knowledge to work when we’re in the field. I’ve really enjoyed the work so far, and I’m excited to finish.”

David Arvizu also enjoys his hands-on experience with the Oncor bucket trucks. “Learning how the bucket trucks work was one of my favorite days in class so far,” Arvizu said.

TCC Instructor Gilbert McFadden is a former Line Worker and Oncor employee with more than 30 years of experience. He leads the student’s classroom studies and field practice at TCC.

“I’m honored to be in a position where I can pass down the knowledge that I’ve learned throughout the course of my career,” McFadden said. “I’ve met many dedicated students since I started teaching the program and I’m looking forward to seeing them working to power our Texas communities.”

Fabian Ramirez is looking forward to life after graduation.  

“My favorite part of the program is learning from Mr. Gilbert,” Fabian said. “He has so much experience and the advice he gives us has helped a lot during my time in the program. I hope to one day rise through the ranks and be one of the best Line Workers at Oncor.”

Similar to McFadden’s role, Oncor Safety Representative Sean Macadoo works to familiarize the students with safety knowledge.

“I visit the interns on a weekly basis to talk safety and why we make it our number one priority,” Macadoo said. “It’s important for me to make sure the students are engaged, so I always try to bring a subject matter expert with me to keep things interesting.”

Oncor and its employees hope to continue to create awareness among students about electrical safety and available careers in the utility industry through the internship program. To learn more about Oncor’s work with TCC and the community college’s Line Worker Certification program, click here.