Seven South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Electrical Lineworker students were selected to receive the South Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Southeastern Electric Exchange’s Electrical (S.E.E.) Lineworker Scholarships.
The $1,000 scholarships were awarded to: Landon Brown of Wrens, Aston Cook of Lakeland, Ga., Darryl Cuyler of Wadley, Jim Galvin of Morris, Bo Miller of Valdosta, Zackery Neal of Woodbury, and Kanard Wynn of Savannah.
S.E.E. has been supporting the electric utility industry since 1933. S.E.E.’s Line Worker Grant Program is a continuation of this support. S.E.E. is a non-profit, non-political trade association of investor-owned electric utility companies. Its mission is to promote the common interests and growth of its members, develop and enhance the human, operational and technical resources of member companies to the fullest, as well as provide coordination of storm restoration services to impacted member companies.
Each of the seven students awarded the scholarships are currently enrolled in the SGTC Fall eight-week Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certificate Training program and expressed their appreciation to Southeastern Electric Exchange for the support of their educational endeavors.
Landon Brown of Wrens enrolled in the SGTC Electrical Lineworker program because it gave him the opportunity to further his education and training in a field that requires both skill and dedication. “I want to serve my community by helping maintain the vital infrastructure that powers everyone’s lives. This scholarship helps relieve the financial burden of the cost to attend by allowing me to focus on developing the knowledge and safety required for success in this field.”
Jim Galvin is from a small town southwest of Americus. “I graduated from Randolph-Clay High School and was the only Mexican American in the Class of 2025. After graduation, I knew I wanted to attend South Georgia Tech for the Lineworker program, so I got a job at a hardware store to help pay for my dorm. I knew that if I wanted the career, I had to go get it, so I did.” This scholarship is helping toward his on-campus housing fees.
Kanard Wynn of Savannah has a son he is supporting and the scholarship is a big help. “I came to South Georgia Tech to complete the lineworker program so I can learn a new trade to help support my son. I plan on working hard so I can get a good job. I was always told I can do anything I put my mind to, so with the help of South Georgia Tech, I know I can achieve greatness.”
All seven of the scholarship students are utilizing the funds to help with their on-campus housing fees. “Getting this help with the dorm is amazing,” said Aston Cook. “I am working hard and I am so glad to be here, but not working or making any month for two months is hard, so this is great.”
Each student touched on giving back to their communities and the importance of this work. They all have slightly different goals, but they are hoping through this vocation, they can make a positive impact on society.
South Georgia Technical College was the first technical college in Georgia to offer the Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Course. It was created in 2005 in response to industry demands. The industry needed to replace its retiring workforce. This is the 20th anniversary of the program.
Admission requirements for program entrance include: at least 18 years of age, must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalency, and must obtain a Class A CDL Instructional permit before enrollment.
The SGTC Electrical Lineworker program is a 12-semester hour, eight-week class that meets Monday through Thursday. Students receive training on the proper use of lineworker tools, lineworker simulation, power industrial truck operation, and electrical safety. The skills field training includes learning to climb poles safely, working on electrical connections at high altitudes, and the operation of power trucks and trailers and other equipment. During the observation-based training, students are able to observe 30 hours of lineworker’s performing their job duties with partnering power companies. Students are guaranteed a job interview with utility companies upon successful completion of the program.
Approximately two-thirds of the program is devoted to strenuous hands-on skills allowing students to develop a high degree of proficiency in the electrical lineworking equipment and procedures. All SGTC Electrical Lineworker students have the opportunity to earn a CDL Class A or B license as part of the program. To be employed as an electrical lineworker, students must be able to drive the specialized utility trucks and trailers carrying electrical poles.
SGTC has a 99% job placement rate and over 1000 students have graduated from this eight-week program. The median annual wage for electricians, line installers and repairers is between $50,000 and $60,000 per year with the potential to reach six figures within two years with overtime and storm duty.
South Georgia Technical is one of only two technical colleges in Georgia with on-campus housing. Lineworker students can live on-campus in double-occupancy rooms for $1550 each for the eight-week class. That price includes 19 meals per week and access to free WIFI. The tuition cost for the 12-hour program is currently $1675. Georgia residents are eligible for the HOPE Grant and HOPE Career Grant, which covers most of the tuition costs and fees.
The college offers over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit classes. The college has a 99% job placement rate for graduates and offers lifetime career placement services. Financial aid is available for qualified students. For more information about applying to South Georgia Technical College, visit www.southgatech.edu or contact the admissions office at 229-931-2394 in Americus or 229-271-4040 in Cordele.
For more information about the Electrical Lineworker program at South Georgia Technical College or to apply for the next class, contact Tami Blount at 229-931-2040 or tblount@southgatech.edu. For more information about how to support student scholarships through the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, contact Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.