SAWYER -- For the past eight years, the Electrical Line Technician Program at Northern Michigan University has been training students to work with electrical companies.

Families and friends of the students were able to see their skills first hand at Thursday's open house at the Midwest Skills Center at Sawyer.

The 37 students go through classroom and hands-on instruction, learning basic climbing techniques, construction techniques, and transfers.

Instructors say students are also given help with their job search.

"We try to get the students oriented on how to search for the type of job that this training prepares them for," said instructor Jerry LePage.  "We put them in touch with the local unions.  The IBW has nine apprenticeship districts across the United States."

Students participate in the program for an average of 32 hours per week for one year before earning their diploma.