POWERGRAMS

18 level maintenance classes. "With this prolonged assignment, we can essentially 'get the jiers out' and fully focus on applying ourselves to becoming instructors. "This really will ensure the students are not geing shortchanged by new instructors feeling out their new jobs," Harbison said. Another new instructor, Local Operations Lineman David Brannon, sees another advantage. "Hopefully, the students will appreciate the fact we were just in the field as IBEW LOLs, and there will be an added comfort level," he said. Speaking of comfort level, it may not come quite so soon for Brannon. "I've gone from working by myself for many years to being in a classroom with 10 to 30 people. I have definitely le my comfort zone," he said. But that's the intent: Get experienced IBEW linemen and journeymen fresh from the field who know the job inside and out to teach their first-hand experiences to new groups of employees. "This entire process has multiple advantages as opposed to the previous methods of teaching," Harbison said. "It allows the Brotherhood to be a direct influence on the training that students receive. It also allows for a greater sense of accountability for both parties. "The experience also sheds light on what a typical permanent instructor position would be like day to day, allowing a person to make career choices based on experiences instead of guesses," Harbison said. McGough said it helps the Training Center develop a talent pool of future, effective training analysts. "And, it helps provide the Power Delivery departments, who are providing us these employees, with subject maer experts," McGough said. "When they finish their 24-month rotation at the Training Center, they will go back to their normal jobs with a wealth of knowledge beyond what they would normally be exposed to in their normal duties. "One of the greatest benefits to Alabama Power will be the sharing of best practices that are used in the field and at the Training Center," McGough continued. "We will be able to ensure we are using the same methods, tools and equipment, so that we train and work efficiently, effectively and, most importantly, safely." By Gilbert Nicholson PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER JONES Brannon and Harbison view diagrams. Right: Brannon instructs Adam Pugh, an E&W journeyman. Bottom right: Discussing training techniques, left to right, Team Leader and Training Analyst Warner Patterson, Training Analyst Tony Green, Harbison and McGough.

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