As Spring Break wrapped up, an eye-catching sight greeted visitors at Canadian Valley Technology Center. There was a long row of identical white pickup trucks neatly lined up, each representing the future for high school students about to launch their careers.
These trucks are a symbol of an innovative public-private partnership between CV Tech and USIC, an underground utility locating company. Students are trained for essential careers in utility locating—ensuring underground power, water and communication lines are marked to prevent damage and service disruptions due to excavation.
The one-year Underground Utility Locating Technician program is open to high school seniors, who spent half the day at CV Tech and the other half at their high schools. The training came with a pledge by USIC to pay each student who completes the program and meets the hiring criteria a starting wage of $20 per hour and provide the aforementioned company work truck.
For 17-year-old Christopher De Lara, of Yukon, the opportunity is life-changing.
“Having this job and the work truck at my age coming right out of high school, I feel really happy and thankful,” he said.
With 20 million miles of underground infrastructure connecting homes and businesses in the U.S., demand for skilled utility locators is on the rise. As cities expand and more utility lines are buried beneath the surface, the need for professionals to locate them before digging projects begins remains constant.
That job security is exactly what attracted Gavin Emerson, 17, of Piedmont, to the program.
“This is a very reliable industry,” he said. “I’m not going to be out of luck in a year or two. More and more utility lines are concealed underground, so the work will always be there.”
The program began in Fall 2024 at CV Tech’s El Reno campus, following the success of a similar initiative at Meridian Technology Center. CV Tech Superintendent/CEO Dr. Gayla Lutts said the program is already making a big impact.
“I’m extremely proud,” Lutts said. “This program is fabulous for students in our communities. Anyone gainfully employed is a benefit to their community.”
The hands-on training equips students with cutting-edge industry technology, and their part-time jobs quickly transition into full-time positions after a brief trial period. Francisco Chavez, a USIC employee and CV Tech instructor, explained that students gain access to full-time benefits, including college credits and reduced college tuition costs, after 90 days of full-time employment with USIC.
For Emerson, the opportunity isn’t just about a paycheck.
“My parents told me they think it’s an amazing opportunity for me,” he said. “It’s something to stick with for a lifetime.”
Enrollment is now open for the Underground Utility Locating Technician program, along with other career pathways like Firefighting and Vision Care Technician at CV Tech.
