SUNY Delhi Partners with DCEC for Line-Worker Training Program, Schumer Seeks $1.4 Million in Funding

Delhi, NY (08/10/2023) — As U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced his support yesterday to seek over $1.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative for a line-worker training program by the Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC), SUNY Delhi prepares to lead the charge in educating highly qualified utility operations workers to help address workforce needs.

The proposed program, officially titled "Building a Skilled Workforce to Construct and Maintain Core Critical Electric and Broadband Infrastructure," would train at least 200 workers for well-paying jobs to maintain and modernize critical electric and telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. The proposal will build on existing efforts to meet current and future workforce demand in both the electric and telecommunications industries, such as SUNY Delhi's two-year electrical construction and utility operations degree program.

"SUNY Delhi plays an important role in educating leaders for the workforce of tomorrow," said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, Acting President of SUNY Delhi. "This partnership with DCEC enhances our capacity to deliver education, training, and the continuing education needs of New York's utility and electrical operations workforce. As demands on New York's electrical grid and infrastructure grow, it will be SUNY Delhi graduates that lead the way to see that these demands are met. SUNY Delhi is grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership in advancing workforce development efforts that will support the region's economic growth."

About SUNY Delhi's Electrical Construction and Utility Operations program
SUNY Delhi's AAS and AOS programs in Electrical Construction and Utility Operations focus on hands-on skills training in both residential and commercial wiring systems, overhead and underground utility installations, pole-climbing techniques, current construction standards and practices, as well as critical safety standards and risk aversion. With an apprenticeship approach, students learn from expert instructors with years of experience in the industry. Graduates of the program have 100% job placement in the industry with higher than average entry-level salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, utility workers enjoy an average salary of over $65,000/year with opportunities for quick advancement and promotion.

About the DCEC
The Delaware County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 4,800 member-owners in the rural counties of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Chenango in Upstate New York.