East River Donates Used Bucket Truck to MTI
January 7, 2010
During the January meeting, the East River Board approved donating a used 55-foot bucket truck to Mitchell Technical Institute to further aid its well-respected power line training program.
MTI had asked East River if East River would consider donating this bucket truck rather than trading it in for credit on a new unit.
“Numerous personnel from East River and its member systems have received valuable training from MTI, so we are pleased that we can provide assistance to them by making this contribution,” said Jeff Nelson, East River general manager.
Greg Von Wald, president of Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) based in Mitchell, S.D., says that nearly one third of MTI students enrolled in the Power Lineman program end up working for companies that deal with transmission or with the construction of transmission lines.
Because of this, MTI has identified a need to infuse more transmission training in the curriculum of our Power Line program. The equipment to train students on transmission and substation construction is significantly more expensive than even the high cost equipment needed for distribution.
“While we are attempting to get a grant to help with these costs, ultimately, we will have to depend upon our own resources or the good graces of our industry partners to help us out,” Von Wald said.
Von Wald stated that none of MTI’s current bucket trucks have over a 35’ book reach—far short of what is required for installing or servicing transmission lines. “That is why the donation of a bucket truck with a 55’ reach is so important to us.”
The bucket truck will allow MTI, for the first time, to start infusing transmission construction into their labs this coming school year.
“This is a huge step for us and without the truck donation, we would not be able to do it. The donation will also allow us to increase our value to the industry when they do rubber glove training on our utility field as we will now be able to have the infrastructure required to do it on a simulated transmission line,” said Von Wald.
