Cloverland Electric Cooperative is excited to announce preliminary plans for creating a training and technology center in Sault Ste. Marie. This facility would provide hands on training for careers in electrical systems, clean energy technology and broadband infrastructure and advanced industrial maintenance – fulfilling workforce staff across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The cooperative has received 12 letters of support from a wide range of organizations, including ATC, Peninsula Fiber Network, Power Line Supply, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Utility Supply & Construction, Highline, Lake Superior State University, Sault Area Schools, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, plus local lawmakers, State Representative Dave Prestin and Senator John DaMoose.
Modeled after training facilities other co-ops have created, this project involves acquiring a 13.6 acre site and constructing a new 20,0000 square foot facility to support workforce development programs:
- electrical line work, substation technicians and electrician training;
- renewable energy systems, installation and maintenance including hydroelectric, solar, wind, battery and landfill gas and combined heat and power;
- EV charging, infrastructure repair and maintenance;
- broadband installation and maintenance.
By offering hands on education in high demand fields, Cloverland’s technology and training center will play a pivotal role in closing the skills gap and ensuring workforce readiness for critical industries in the EUP and throughout Michigan. The facility will provide specialized training programs tailored to the expanding needs of the rapidly evolving energy and technology and skills trade sectors equipping participants with industry recognized certifications and practical experience that will make them competitive in today’s job market. Through a state-of-the-art training lab, real world simulations and apprentice programs, students will gain the expertise needed to install, maintain and repair renewable energy systems, EV charging stations, smart grid technology and broadband infrastructure.
“Creating a training center focused on safety aligns with one of our key strategic initiatives and co-op goals to enhance the culture of safety,” states Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s President and CEO Mike Heise. “We also hope to partner with local schools to develop educational programs to expand offerings in our area.”
In July, State Representative Parker Fairbairn proposed partial funding for a cutting-edge technology and training center. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $10-$15 million. The timeline is dependent on when funding is fulfilled.
“I believe this will be a spending initiative that will not only be a tremendous asset to the region, but it will pay dividends through the state,” stated Fairbairn who requested $3 million from the subcommittee on labor and economic development to support the initiative. The remaining funding would be fulfilled through a variety of funding sources currently under development.
In addition to fostering a highly skilled homegrown workforce, this facility will directly support economic development by attracting new businesses, reducing reliance on imported labor, and enhancing regional infrastructure resilience. By integrating clean energy education, cyber security measures and smart grid innovation, this facility will position Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a leader in energy solutions and advanced technology industries. This initiative will not only provide career opportunities for residents in the region, including young professionals, displaced workers and members of tribal communities, it will also strengthen the regional economy by ensuring regional businesses and municipalities will have access to stable and well-trained workforce capable of supporting 21st century infrastructure demands.
Sharing Best Practices: Kootenai Electric Cooperative's Training Facility
Kootenai Electric Cooperative’s headquarters in Rathdrum, Idaho features a comprehensive training yard and operations center designed to strengthen workforce development and safety across the utility industry. The facility includes an outdoor training yard for pole climbing, live-line simulations and real-world safety procedures. Indoor classrooms and technical labs focus on instruction in electrical systems and emerging technologies.
The design allows flexibility to test new tools and technologies in a controlled environment. This helps co-ops improve system reliability by training crews before equipment is deployed in the field. The indoor space is a key advantage, providing a safe, consistent training environment regardless of weather, daylight or seasonal conditions—ultimately better preparing apprentices and lineworkers for challenging real-world scenarios.
This facility exemplifies the cooperative principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives - as Kootenai Electric shares its successful model and best practices with other co-ops, including Cloverland Electric Cooperative. Through collaboration, co-ops can raise the bar on workforce readiness, safety and innovation across the industry.