A group of Belco apprentices have successfully completed a 15-week course in the United States, the power company announced.

The training was undertaken at the Southeast Lineman Training Centre in Dade County, Georgia, a top-rated training centre for overhead lineman qualification.

Apprentices Jalani Richardson, Josiah Smith, Jai Bean, Jai-zel Smith-DeShields, Cornell Young, E'Treu Adonai, Jomeko Mallory, Anahzjae Wade-Davy and Marcus Wade as well as electrical fitter Jason Pitcher attended.

Mr Adonai achieved the highest GPA among all 370 students with a remarkable 99.46 per cent, Belco said.

The course included electrical theory, practical training and the construction and maintenance of the power company’s distribution network.

Apprentices participated in team-building and leadership skills.

The programme closed with a “lineman rodeo” to demonstrated their new skills.

Belco said the programme co-ordinator and head trainer of the Georgia facility visited the island in August to review and familiarise themselves with its transmission and distribution construction standards, ensuring the programme catered to local needs.

LaKeitha Cunningham, director of human resources and culture at Belco, said the company has a long and proud history of supporting young Bermudians.

She added: “Through scholarships, internships and the apprenticeship programme, many of our staff have been supported in achieving their professional designations with guidance from our teams at Belco.

Shelly Leman, Belco’s managing director of transmission, distribution and retail, said: “The lineworkers are the backbone of ensuring that we can provide safe, reliable power to our customers.

“Most of our lineworkers are Bermudians who have participated in training and apprenticeships provided by Belco.

“I look forward to our latest cohort of apprentices, who have returned to the island with new knowledge and skills, joining our team and continuing their training to become fully qualified lineworkers.”