A recent episode of T&D World’s Line Life Podcast is highlighting a workforce training program that is helping prepare the next generation of lineworkers through innovative digital learning.

The episode, titled “ICYMI: Pathways to Power: Pre-Apprentice Training Programs Light the Way for Future Lineworkers”, revisits a feature story from the October 2025 issue of T&D World magazine about the Electric Utility Technology Program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). The article spotlights two graduates, Trevor Grefe and Kellen Miller, who completed the program and launched careers in the utility industry.

The program stands out for its use of a multimodal digital curriculum developed through a partnership between DMACC, MidAmerican Energy and Index AR Solutions. The curriculum combines interactive eBooks, videos, 3D visualizations and augmented reality content to help students better understand complex electrical systems and equipment before entering the field.

As utilities across the country work to address workforce shortages, programs like DMACC’s demonstrate how partnerships between educators, utilities and technology innovators can help prepare skilled workers for critical infrastructure careers.

Click here to listen to the podcast.