Training & Development
The cost for each training session is detailed below. Classes are offered at no charge to Wolverine Power Cooperative members, including Cherryland Electric, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Midwest Energy & Communications, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, and Thumb Electric. Participants from other utilities are required to pay the designated fee.
Lunch will be provided during the training sessions. Attendees with questions or dietary restrictions should contact Katie Keen at kkeen@wpsci.com.
February 25-27, 2025
Cost: $600
This workshop combines classroom and hands-on learning, offering “real-world” scenarios without the risk. Topics include the basics of single-phase and three-phase transformer connections and theory, including turn ratios, polarities, safe practices, calculations, sizing, and troubleshooting. Participants will work with energized mini transformers, experiencing fuse blows from incorrect wiring and troubleshooting on transformer banks. The session also covers motor rotation in three-phase systems and preventing voltage surges during switching.
March 20, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This training focuses on recognizing and mitigating hazards specific to electrical substations. Participants new to this field will learn about various substation components, potential risks, and the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure safety. Participants who have historically worked in or around substations will find this to be an important refresher.
March 21, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This training focuses on recognizing and mitigating hazards specific to electrical substations. Participants new to this field will learn about various substation components, potential risks, and the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure safety. Participants who have historically worked in or around substations will find this to be an important refresher.
April 29, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
April 30, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
May 6-7, 2025
May 6
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 7
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This training will focus on safe cutting and chainsaw practices to prevent and reduce workplace injuries in forest landscaping and tree trimming. Participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Instruction will include proper chainsaw maintenance, handling techniques and identifying potential hazards in utility corridors. Participants are required to bring their own
chainsaw for practical demonstration and maintenance exercise. Dress in sturdy, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid loose-fitting
clothing and jewelry.
PPE Requirements:
-
Chainsaw safety helmet
-
Hearing protection (ear muffs or plugs)
-
Eye protection
-
Chainsaw chaps or pants
-
Cut resistant gloves
-
Steel-toed boots
May 22, 2025
Cost: $250
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This training will address an individual’s ability to verbally influence and deescalate situations with difficult customers. Active listening concepts and various other techniques will provide attendees with tools to be successful. Active violence training will cover history, action plans, police response, and basic response options in a classroom situation.
July 9, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
July 10, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
August 12, 2025
Cost: $250
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This interactive course will help individuals understand why errors occur so unwanted incidents can be eliminated. This includes understanding why people make mistakes, understanding human nature, personal risk tolerance, and critical tasks.
Also how to break down “TRAPS” and implementing error prevention tools, and effective techniques to coach and encourage workers to achieve high levels of performance.
August 13-14, 2025
Cost: $500
August 13
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
August 14
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This course will be taught by an OSHA Training Institute instructor and incorporate OSHA power standards (1910.269) and will discuss hazards specific to the electrical power industry. Topics and content will be tailored specifically to the electric power industry.
Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion and an OSHA pocket card.
August 20, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
September 3, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This training focuses on recognizing and mitigating hazards specific to electrical substations. Participants new to this field will learn about various substation components, potential risks, and the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure safety. Participants who have historically worked in or around substations will find this to be an important refresher.
September 4, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
September 9-10, 2025
September 9
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 10
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This training will focus on safe cutting and chainsaw practices to prevent and reduce workplace injuries in forest landscaping and tree trimming. Participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Instruction will include proper chainsaw maintenance, handling techniques and identifying potential hazards in utility corridors. Participants are required to bring their own
chainsaw for practical demonstration and maintenance exercise. Dress in sturdy, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid loose-fitting
clothing and jewelry.
PPE Requirements:
-
Chainsaw safety helmet
-
Hearing protection (ear muffs or plugs)
-
Eye protection
-
Chainsaw chaps or pants
-
Cut resistant gloves
-
Steel-toed boots
October 28, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots
October 29, 2025
Cost: $125
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This training focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform switching in transmission and distribution substations. Participants will learn about various switching procedures, substation devices, three-way communications skills, and safety considerations. This training is a key component in preparing personnel to perform live switching operations.
PPE Requirements:
-
Hard hat
-
Safety glasses
-
Steel-toed boots