Dustin Sadler is a pioneer in a new partnership between Dominion Energy and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC). He is one of the first graduates of this partnership, which allows power line professionals training and work experience as college credit toward an Associate Degree.

A Dinwiddie native, Dustin began his electrical career in 2004 after studying electricity at Rowanty Vocational School and following his graduation from Dinwiddie High School.

Dustin says he was inspired by his family to learn a trade that provided an essential service.

He first worked for an electrical contractor while attending SVCC to become a Journeyman Electrician. Later he worked at Chesterfield County Public schools in maintenance where he became a Master Electrician. Dustin then joined Dominion Energy as an Overhead Lineman Trainee, working his way up to Electric Serviceman 1st Class and recently to Construction Supervisor at the West Broad office.

“As a Serviceman, I maintained and serviced our equipment to provide safe and reliable service to our customers. But as a Construction Supervisor, I now build and maintain that same infrastructure. School, work, and industry do not happen unless the men and women of this company sacrifice to keep the lights on safely.”

Though a rising star at Dominion Energy, he always regretted not having a degree. Last fall when Dustin heard about the opportunity at SVCC, he seized on it immediately.

“The decision was easy.”

Dustin's supervisor, Edwina Linares, encouraged him and mentioned he was eligible for tuition reimbursement from Dominion Energy.

Just nine months later Dustin has graduated, Magna Cum Laude with high honors, with both his ELE certificate as well as a degree. He took classes with half a dozen other Dominion Energy employees and says it's a great opportunity for any eligible person who wants to build their computer, math and writing skills while also learning about ethics, time management, workplace psychology, working under stress and customer communications.

“I also had to take US History 1 & 2 which came at an interesting time last year with so many things happening in our country. I gained a better understanding of where we have come from to get where we are and also the improvements that still need to be made. Increasing your education is never a bad idea especially when it's being encouraged and financed by your employer.”

Over the years, Dominion Energy and Southside Virginia Community College have partnered to create opportunities for employees and students in many areas including truck driving, diesel technology and power line worker training. Dustin's career pathway to an Associates Degree is a great example of the success that comes with a strong business, industry, and education relationship.

Dominion Energy has several apprentice programs with the Overhead Lineman program being one of the most sought after. The 7-step program is 56 months in length. Time spent in each step at the Chester, VA training center ranges from 2 – 4 weeks. Trainees receive official training both hands on and classroom during each step of the program, then returning to their local teams to practice what they have learned. Now graduates of the program can use this training toward the completion of an Associates Degree at SVCC.

You can read the full SVCC profile on Dustin here: Dustin Sadler: Continuing to Rise | Southside Virginia Community College.