The ElectriCities Safety and Training team brings many careers’ worth of experience and expertise to help lineworkers, meter technicians, and substation technicians throughout ElectriCities member communities gain the skills and expertise needed to work safely and advance their careers.
To give you a peek into that experience and expertise, we’re introducing you to each of our instructors.
So far, you’ve met:
- Mark Todd, Senior Safety & Training Specialist
- Craig Batchelor, ElectriCities’ Manager of Safety & Training
- Jeff Freeman, Senior Safety & Training Specialist
- Ross Whitehurst, Supervisor of Safety & Training
- Anthony Michaels, Senior Safety & Training Specialist
Now let’s get to know Nick Whitley, Supervisor of Safety & Training.
Nick has been a lineworker for 26 years and an instructor at ElectriCities for four. Before joining ElectriCities, he served the City of Wilson. Nick is a lifelong resident of Middlesex, North Carolina, and he has two daughters, ages 12 and 14.
How did you get into linework?
Just stumbled into it by chance. I knew a guy who was friends with someone at the City of Wilson. I wasn’t even sure of the department—just figured that working for a city would have good benefits. I interviewed and got the job. Luckily, it was with the electric department, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. It’s a very demanding job but rewarding as well.
What do you like best about teaching?
Making an impact on up-and-coming lineworkers.
Do you have a favorite moment from class?
Watching the camaraderie between the guys and seeing how willing they are to help each other.
What’s the most important thing you want students to take away from class?
That there is usually more than one way to do something, so keep an open mind and watch how others do things. I tell them that I still learn things from our classes just by seeing how other towns and cities work.
Nick will be teaching Basic Lineworker School (ELT 114), Sept. 9-13, and Tree Trimming School, Sept. 30-Oct. 4. Both classes are at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
View the full training schedule here. If you have questions about classes or registration, contact Susanne Taylor, Member Training and Engagement Specialist at ElectriCities.