Three South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker students were awarded South Georgia Technical College Foundation Scholarships recently. Justin Jones of Lizella, GA; Walker Meadows of Opelika, AL; and Stanley Lowe of Forsyth, GA; received the Foundation’s Electrical Lineworker Scholarships based on their work ethics, academics, and overall class performance.
Jones received the Kyle Glenn Holcombe Electrical Lineworker Scholarship that was established and endowed by Georgia Transmission and Aubrey Silvey Enterprises in memory of Kyle Glenn Holcombe, a 23-year old electrical lineworker who was employed by Aubrey Silvey Enerprises in Carrollton, Georgia. The Kyle Glenn Holcombe Memorial Scholarship was the first scholarship designated specifically to the SGTC Electrical Lineworker program.
Lowe earned the Chattahoochee-Flint RESA Electrical Lineworker Scholarship and Meadows was awarded the Georgia EMC Foremen and Supervisor’s scholarship. Over 500 students have graduated from this eight-week program that has a 99% job placement rating. The median annual wage for electricians, line installers and repairers is between $50,000 and $60,000 per year.
All three students thanked South Georgia Technical College for the workforce training and the Foundation for helping them with their college expenses. “Life is all about making sacrifices,” said Justin Jones. “In order to provide a better life for my family, I ended my career as a firefighter. My wife and I made the decision for me to leave the department after five years of service in order to pursue my aspirations of becoming a lineworker.
“I chose becoming a lineman not only because of my interest in the trade, but ultimately to produce financial stability while having a rewarding career. My wife and I set aside money to cover my expenses while I was staying on campus during the eight weeks of class. This scholarship has allowed me to put some of that money back and also invest in a good pair of lineman work boots,” said Jones. “I am excited to see where this road takes me. I am very thankful for this scholarship and this opportunity.”
Meadows was also very grateful for the Georgia EMC Foreman and Supervisor’s scholarship. “I am every passionate about becoming a lineman and believe that the South Georgia Tech lineworker program can help me obtain the skills necessary to move me to the next goal in my life.
“My goal as a student, athlete, and person is to always do the best of my ability. Throughout high school, I was involved in multiple sports and clubs and I was able to maintain a 3.92 average. I continued my education at Mississippi College on an athletic and academic scholarship. Throughout my first year of college, I maintained a 4.0 GPA and made the President’s list.
“However after two years at Mississippi, I came home and completed the necessary classes to obtain my associate’s degree. Throughout my football career, I was always told, ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ I believe this still applies in my education, life, and career. I am a hard worker as well as a motivated individual and believe in giving 100% at whatever I do. I am honored to receive this scholarship,” said Meadows.
Stanley Lowe echoed many of his classmate’s thoughts. “I am so thankful for this opportunity. Lineworker is not just a job, it’s a career. A career that I have dreamed about since I was a little kid. I will take pride in this work and do the absolute best that I can do. This scholarship will help me tremendously to get back on my feet and begin my career,” said Lowe.
South Georgia Technical College partnered with power companies, electric cooperatives and others to initiate the Electrical Lineworker Program. There was a need by these companies to replace or replenish retiring workers. Students in the Electrical Lineworker Apprentice program undergo training in the classroom, on an actual skills field with electrical poles and platforms, earn a Commercial Truck Driving Class B License and then participate in observation-based on-the-job training.
In the classroom, students learn about the AC/DC electrical theory, field training, occupational safety, team work, line construction theory, line clearance, rigging, transformers, basic telecommunications, and utility metering. 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 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 Bucket and Digger trucks and trailers that carry the electrical poles.
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.