DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Ameren hosted a tour of its Decatur training center Wednesday, highlighting the company's commitment to keeping the lights on for the community.

A new apprentice class participated in hands-on training exercises as they prepare to be linemen.

The facility trains different kinds of linemen and other positions.

This location offers simulations and exercises for those training for real-world scenarios.

Ameren Superintendent of Electric Training Ray Lawyer explained how critical the work is to central Illinois.

"Linework is such a critical career because that's what keeps the lights on and the power going for everyone, which has become a necessity in our lives," Lawyer said.

More information about linework is available on Ameren's website.

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