GRANITE FALLS — A new powerline technology program is off to a fast start this summer at the Minnesota West campus in Granite Falls.

The program’s first class of students began summer class last week. Eleven class members are enrolled, with options of completing either a one-year or two-year degree through Minnesota West campuses.

Part of the reason to start the program in Granite Falls is consistently good powerline enrollment posted at the Jackson campus. Instructor Brian Binnebose, who has 11 years of experience teaching in Jackson while living in Danube, is in charge of the Granite Falls-based classes.

“I put in a proposal after some of my friends and neighbors heard about the program,” Binnebose said. “They told me it would be great to have the same kind of opportunity in Granite Falls.”

He said the 11 students will have the option of at least completing the one-year option in Granite Falls. Marketing efforts are taking place to attract additional students.

Binnebose became a Minnesota West faculty member after working for the cities of Buffalo, Minnesota; Atlantic, Iowa; and Delano, then most recently the Renville-Sibley Electric Cooperative.

He said the powerline curriculum covers all topics needed to become qualified for the installation and maintenance of powerline systems supported by wood poles.

Students learn how to dig and set poles by hand, climb poles, and use machinery such as a skid loader, forklift, and digger derrick. They also gain knowledge of all workplace safety regulations.

He said one of the two main attributes students must bring to the program involves enough strength and agility to climb, lift heavy objects, and perform continuous physical labor. The other involves the ability to concentrate on work activities.

Other job requirements including general mechanical skills, basic computer operations, proficiency with general math, and customer relations ability, are reinforced through the MnWest program.

“It’s something that can offer good possibilities to almost any student,” Binnebose said. “There will always be a demand for trained technicians. They’re needed by public utilities, electric cooperatives and private contractors.”

He said powerline instruction continues to interest high school graduates at a time when many of them are showing more interest in technical careers.

In many cases, those students can complete a one-year or two-year degree and then use it in a well-paying job. They then have the option of going back for more education, a four-year degree and possibly graduate studies.

The 11 students enrolled in the Granite Falls-based summer class said they chose to pursue the program because both the job requirements and the wage potential looked appealing.

“A powerline job offers everything I want,” said Corey Johnson, a class member and a graduate of Yellow Medicine East High School. “It has good pay, teamwork, and the chance to be outside. It’s a job that should always be there.”

Josh Peterson, also a YME graduate, said the chance to participate in the program without moving to another town made a difference in his decision to enroll.

“I was looking for a good career opportunity,” Peterson said. “I’d heard good things about the powerline program from friends, and when I found out it was coming to Granite Falls I definitely thought I should enroll. I’m planning to keep going with it for the whole two years.”