Twenty-six graduate electric lineworker apprenticeship program

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REAP 2024 Graduates

Carmel, Ind. – Jan. 13, 2025

Twenty-six lineworkers graduated Saturday from Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ apprenticeship program, Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP).

REAP is a four-year program that professionally trains apprentice lineworkers from across Indiana. Graduates complete 612 hours of classroom-related study and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at their electric cooperative. Cooperative apprentices also complete four additional classes through Ivy Tech Community College. Upon completion of the program, cooperative graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science and a journeyman lineman certificate.

“Lineworkers are the backbone of our operations, and their dedication to their communities and the consumers of Indiana’s electric cooperatives is outstanding,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We are proud to have these hardworking individuals as part of the cooperative family.”

This year’s graduates are:

  • Austin Alcorn, ElectriCom
  • Chris Allen, ElectriCom
  • Mason Bechdolt, Jay County REMC
  • Owen Bowersox, LaGrange County REMC
  • Brenden Box, NineStar Connect
  • Luke Buening
  • Jack Clark, Hendricks Power Cooperative
  • Jordan Clark, ElectriCom
  • Lucas Gillis, Noble REMC
  • Kyler Gudeman, Kankakee Valley REMC
  • Ty Hamstra, Hendricks Power Cooperative
  • Trevor Harlan, Noble REMC
  • Dalton Hilligoss, Tipmont
  • Tristen Hoffman, Tipmont
  • Cole Howe, LaGrange County REMC
  • Alex Jervis, ElectriCom
  • David Lowe
  • Dustin Manns, Tipmont
  • Brendan McGehee, Miami-Cass REMC
  • Justin Messer, NineStar Connect
  • Aaron Montgomery, ElectriCom
  • Andrew Norris, Kankakee Valley REMC
  • Jason Phillips, Tipmont
  • Chandler Rowe, Warren County REMC
  • Tyler Shoffner, Hendricks Power Cooperative
  • Ricky Thompson, Jay County REMC

“REAP exemplifies our commitment to developing skilled professionals who uphold the values of safety, reliability and community service,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “These graduates represent the future of our industry, and their hard work in completing this program shows their dedication to ensuring Hoosiers will continue to have safe and reliable electricity.”