By Dean B. Wisecarver
 The participants openly share their ideas and knowledge with the others in the sessions. |
I recently participated as an instructor of one session in the NRECA/NUTSEA co-sponsored Loss Control Internship Program at its resident facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. This was the second time I made a presentation to the interns in this program and I came away believing this program is well worth the effort for the people who attend and the Rural Electric Utilities they represent. I've been in the safety and health business for about 30 years and, while I'm a positive kind of person (I hope!), I'm not easily impressed. This program, as extensive and intensive as it is, must be one of the best values around for professional development. |
I heard comments from participants:
"I've been in the rural electric business for over 25 years, mostly in technical and safety roles, and I didn't think this program would be worth the time and expense. But I have to say I've learned more than I ever thought I could, and I've seen things I did before in a whole new light!"
"The people who conduct these sessions really know their stuff. It's been a marvelous learning experience and I can't wait to get home to start helping our co-op do better and better."
"The instructors are very knowledgeable, but I have found the other participants to be a significant source of ideas and reinforcement. I'll leave this program with new professional contacts that will provide on-going support and ideas whenever I call them. And I'll do that for them, too. Frankly, I didn't expect the other students to be as important a part of this program as they are."
| Those quotes say more than I ever could. They certainly seem to validate the Program's stated goals - "...To build the knowledge and professionalism of electrical industry safety professionals through education, networking, sharing resources, and certification." Yes - certification. After successfully completing the entire course and a special project, the interns are recognized as a loss control professional. The benefits to the utilities where such professionals work seems well worth the cost, time, and effort to have an employee so certified. If you would like more information about this program, contact Gary Pfann at (402) 477-0830 or send him an e-mail at gary.phann@nreca.org. |
 The interns take the sessions seriously. This person brought his laptop to take notes. |