Class Descriptions

For more information or to register for a class, go to  www.tvppa.com

Goal Setting/Planning
Feb. 6 • TVPPA • Chattanooga, TN
Why set goals? We all know what we want and need to get done, right? To answer these questions, we must answer another: Are we in our respective roles to maintain or to continuously improve, grow and meet the challenges ahead? If we aren’t here to improve, grow and meet the oncoming challenges, even maintaining will eventually fail. Eighty-eight percent of people who set goals never reach them or abandon them altogether. Goals must lead to plans that drive execution.

Fundamental Supervisory Skills
Feb. 7-8 • TVPPA • Chattanooga, TN
This is the first of five core curriculum classes needed in order to receive a Certified Power Supervisor (CPSv) designation. This two-day workshop consists of two modules - Managing People stresses and the importance of individual self-esteem in the workplace and shows how to give clear instructions, achieve consensus and encourage others to commit to common goals. Communicating with People demonstrates active listening techniques, effective communication, and ways to recognize another person`s understanding of the issues. Instructional methods include presentation, videos, group discussion, and skill-building exercises.  Student are required to complete a DISC profile before class.

Line Apprentice Lab 3 Operations
Feb. 12-16 • Bellefonte Training Site  • Scottsboro, AL
Feb. 26 - March 2 • Greeneville, TN, L & PS
Includes safety, aerial lift inspection, arc-flash hazards, PPE inspections, bucket-truck rescue, systems operations, three-phase transformer theory, and insulation/isolation techniques. Participants are given a field performance evaluation and comprehensive written exam.

Line Apprentice Pre-Apprentice Workshop
Feb. 18-24 • Bellefonte Training Site • Scottsboro, AL
This six-day class is an intense workshop designed to help the potential lineman apprentice experience the everyday demands of the job. You will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of line work, with an emphasis in climbing. Individual sessions focus on the hazards of electricity, grounding, rigging, hand lines, aluminum and copper ties. You will be placed on call at night to become adapt to working at all hours of the day. You will have the chance to test your knowledge through homework and test. At the end of the week your manager will be given a written assessment of potential to perform work under stress and your capacity to learn and follow instructions. This class is a great tool for managers to use to determine the potential apprentice’s skills and abilities. They will be asked to complete an apprentice packet before coming to class that includes student information.

Compensation/Benefits
Feb. 27-28 • TMEPA • Brentwood, TN
This course has been submitted to the HR Certification Institute for review. During this two-day class, you will receive the opportunity to examine key strategies for negotiating cost-effective benefit packages for employees. Best practices in controlling health-care costs as well as administration of benefits programs will be covered. Strategies for keeping employees informed about their benefits will be discussed as well as techniques for enhancing participation and compliance.

Line Design/Staking Certification Stage 2
Feb. 27 - March 1 • TECA • Nashville, TN 
Stage 2 includes a more comprehensive look at criteria related to overhead design. Among other things, it offers the line-design technician opportunity to further advance knowledge of power-utility corporate structures and organizations; overhead equipment operation – protection, connection and quality; right-of-way acquisitions; government agency (DOT, FAA, etc.) and railroad permitting requirements; NESC requirements relative to overhead lines and construction; conductor blowout and grain-bin design and analysis; line-design concepts (ruling span, sag and tension, understanding sag charts); and single-phase line design (pole-top pin insulator, angle and dead end guy loading). Written exam given on last day of class. Course handbook provided.