Seventeen graduate from electric trades apprenticeships

Linework graduates

MANDAN, N.D. — Seventeen North Dakotans recently completed yearslong apprenticeships – requiring thousands of hours of on-the-job training – in the electric trades. They join more than 800 people who have graduated from the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperative’s (NDAREC) apprenticeship programs over the past 56 years. Graduates were recognized at a Jan. 15 awards ceremony at the NDAREC Apprenticeship, Training and Safety Conference in Mandan. 

 

“North Dakota’s electric cooperatives require a skilled workforce to keep the power flowing 24/7/365,” says Josh Kramer, NDAREC executive vice president and general manger. “These graduates have completed the intensive requirements to achieve journeyman status, demonstrating a commitment to their trade, a desire to learn from others in the field and a safety-above-all-else attitude. Now, they join a special group of workers, who together power the lives of the more than 250,000 North Dakotans served by the state’s electric cooperatives.” 

 

Eleven individuals completed lineworker apprenticeships, two completed meter technician apprenticeships and four became the first to complete relay technician apprenticeships since the program was added in 2025. 

 

The relay technician program trains apprentices to install, maintain and test protective relay systems used in electric power grids. These relays are essential for detecting faults and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems, helping protect people and equipment. 

 

“The demand for relay technicians is high, but there is a shortage of skilled professionals to fill these positions,” says Christina Roemmich, NDAREC safety services director. 

 

Among the graduates, Duncan Marquart, a journeyman lineworker for Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative headquartered in Columbus, was recognized with this year’s Outstanding Apprentice Award. Marquart earned high marks for his job performance and academic achievement in the 576 hours of required coursework. His integrity, reliability and positive attitude have earned the respect of his co-workers, says Eric Sieg, operations manager for Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative. 

 

“Duncan exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding lineworker: technical competence, safety awareness and teamwork. He consistently upholds high standards, whether working under challenging conditions, responding to outages or contributing to complex installations,” Sieg says. 

 

The following journeyman lineworkers completed apprenticeships in 2025:

  • Duncan Marquart, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative
  • Jared Crutchfield, Capital Electric Cooperative
  • Cody Homes, Capital Electric Cooperative
  • Teight Madler, McKenzie Electric Cooperative
  • Brian Bonnet, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Benson Huber, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Dawson Hall, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Conner Kuntz, Roughrider Electric Cooperative
  • Shay Olson, Slope Electric Cooperative
  • Grant Meyer, Verendrye Electric Cooperative
  • Luke David, BT Mills

 

The following journeyman meter technicians completed apprenticeships in 2025:

  • Kyle Helmers, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative
  • Daniel Alberts, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

 

The following journeyman relay technicians completed apprenticeships in 2025:

  • Brandon Blomberg, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Todd Bustad, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Lukas Dahl, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative
  • Shawn Erickson, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

 

NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 17 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, lineworker safety training, cooperative business and rural development, professional development and communication services, including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.