For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 25, 2022

Collaboration leads to expansion and training at EPD grounds

Fennimore -

Students in the Electrical Power Distribution (EPD) program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, as well as lineworkers throughout the area, will benefit from increased training opportunities thanks to a collaboration with the Municipal Electrical Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW). Randy Larson, electrical safety instructor for the MEUW, organized the collection of used equipment from more than 30 municipalities from throughout the state. The equipment could no longer be used by the municipalities, however, it will serve as important training tools at the Underground Training Field on campus.

“It gives me a good feeling to see the partnership we’re having with our power companies throughout the state regarding, ‘we had a part of that at Southwest Tech,’” said Larson.

Joe Randall and Kyle McCorkle, EPD instructors at Southwest Tech, gladly accepted the equipment, which includes URD cable, underground transformers, switch gear, junction boxes, and more. “Most of the stuff you can’t see,” said Randall. “Mainly, you just see the green boxes when you drive by.”

“Our industry partners look at Southwest Tech for highly-trained, quality graduates,” said Derek Dachelet, executive dean of Industry, Trades and Agriculture. “This equipment will go a long way in bringing more well-qualified utility workers to the Wisconsin workforce.”

The first Underground School was held April 21-22 on campus to utilize the donated materials. The event drew municipal utility workers from throughout the state, and provided valuable training for Southwest Tech students, as well. “It’s so important to have the lineman here with the students to have that collaboration,” said Larson. “It’s a win-win. It’s a great partnership.”

“Thank you to Randy and MEUW for their efforts in enhancing the training opportunities for our EPD students,” said Dr. Jason Wood, Southwest Tech president. “The partnerships with our utilities throughout the state will benefit our students for years to come.”

A ceremonial cable cutting was held to highlight the donation of all the materials. “It is a great resource for the instructors,” said Larson. “Instead of drawing something on a board, they can go outside and set up a hands-on teaching session.”

Participants rotated through a variety of hands-on teaching stations and were able to work with the donated equipment. Those stations included: Changing out a ‘bad’ feed-through transformer, maintaining the distribution UD line to remain energized; Locating Primary Conductors using the Radar Thumper; Directional Boring Training; and 600-amp Equipment and Termination Demos.

“I see it as better qualified trained people coming out into the field to take our places as we retire,” said Larson. “I also see it making it easier for our electrical power distribution instructors to be able to have training resources so that they can give these students experience.”

Southwest Tech is in a great location to offer this training in this part of the state, not only recently, but into the future. “I saw what Southwest Tech could do for all of us in the state,” added Larson.

“For me, I take pride in knowing I got that student a great job. Not a good job, but a great job that’s going to provide for them and their family,” said Randall. “That’s why it’s such an awesome job.”

Randall is confident this partnership will continue to grow. Next year, the MEUW will be hosting an overhead utility training on campus.

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |