Friends, family, co-workers and company leaders celebrated as 29 AEP Texas lineworkers from across the service territory received U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Completion Certificates and were promoted to Class A line mechanics after completing four years of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

For Line Mechanic A Jose Martinez, graduating from the program marked the end of years of hard work, long hours and learning from experienced lineworkers, and the U.S. Department of Labor certificate was a significant milestone that recognizes him as a journey-level lineworker nationwide.

"It challenged me both physically and mentally and taught me skills and lessons I'll carry with me throughout my career. Reaching this point feels rewarding because I know how much work it took to get here. I'm proud of what I've accomplished and grateful to everyone who helped me along the way," Martinez said.