York County’s Unique High School Program Trains Future Utility Lineworkers
York County, S.C. — On a warm afternoon at the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center, a group of high school seniors is busy getting hands-on experience that could lead to a rewarding career. They are part of an incredible program aimed at giving students the skills necessary to become utility linemen, taught by a veteran in the field, Don Hamrick.
A Legacy of Service
Hamrick himself isn’t just a teacher; he’s a living piece of history. Having worked for Duke Energy for nearly 40 years, he witnessed firsthand the havoc Hurricane Hugo caused when it struck the Charlotte area 35 years ago. With more than 90% of the community left without power, thousands of dedicated linemen, including Hamrick, jumped into action to restore electricity as quickly as possible.
“I still love it today,” Hamrick shared, donning his hard hat as he led a class. “Forty-six years of it and still love it!” The joy he finds in working with students is palpable. He runs the Utility Lineworker program, a collaboration between York Technical College, York District One, and Clover Schools.
Preparing for the Future
The program is not just a course; it’s a gateway. Students receive a Utility Line Worker Certificate upon completion, giving them an edge as they enter the workforce. “These guys will be able to go work for just about anybody,” Hamrick said confidently. “If they learned here, they can do it anywhere.”
Hamrick’s love for the trade flourished even in the face of devastating storms. He recounted his memories of Hurricane Hugo, recalling his early morning shift on September 22, 1989. “I got to the dock around 2:30 a.m., and the wind was just whipping,” he vividly remembered. The chaos that followed was overwhelming as fallen wires and downed transmission lines cluttered the landscape.
Challenges Ahead
For weeks, Hamrick and his team faced long hours to repair the damage. “We worked anywhere from 10 to 12 hours a day,” he stated. “Didn’t see the family for four weeks, you know, that’s part of being a lineman.” The commitment to helping others was one of the most rewarding parts of the job for him. “The biggest impact Hugo had on me was just helping people,” he reflected, adding that the gratitude from those whose power was restored made it all worth it.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now, after a fulfilling career, Hamrick is passing that torch to enthusiastic students like Andrew Jordan. Andrew echoed Hamrick’s sentiment, saying, “A lot of people say, ‘I’m in it for the money’…but for me, I want to be in it for the people.” It’s heartening to see this spirit of service taking root in the younger generation.
Rising seniors at York District One and Clover Schools are eligible to apply for this invaluable program, which has already launched numerous students into careers with utilities like Duke Energy. In fact, many alumni of the program are out working locally right now, showcasing the program’s success.
As another school year unfolds, the excitement surrounding this program continues to grow. With dedicated instructors like Don Hamrick at the helm, it’s clear that the future of utility linework is in good hands. The students aren’t just learning how to fix power lines; they’re learning the importance of community service and making a difference. And who knows? The next time a storm rolls through, it might just be one of these students who comes to restore your power.
