Dairyland and Chippewa Valley Technical College have developed an innovative educational and training opportunity for Dairyland employees impacted by the upcoming retirement of the Genoa Station #3 (G-3) coal-fired power plant.

Through the collaboration, interested employees are retraining to become lineworkers within the Dairyland system. The class of employees taking advantage of the chance to transition to an in-demand career has just begun at CVTC’s Eau Claire (Wis.) campus.

“Dairyland’s employees are our greatest asset,” said President and CEO Brent Ridge. “As one door closes, we wanted to do everything possible to provide for team members and create new opportunities for family-supporting careers in the energy industry.”

The training program includes six weeks of hands-on and classroom instruction, with costs covered by Dairyland. Participants must successfully pass training to become Indentured Apprentice Construction Lineworkers, followed by a four-year apprenticeship program.

The new course is just one of the skill development opportunities Dairyland has sponsored following the difficult decision to retire G-3. Commercial Driver Licensing certification has been completed by over 50 impacted employees. Boiler license training has also been offered, as well as outplacement services and internal placement openings.