South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker students Camron T. Davis of Wadley and Ty Darius Clark of Roberta were awarded the South Georgia Technical College’s Flint Energies Scholarships for Electrical Lineworker students also earning a Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) license.
“We are so appreciative of Flint Energies for providing this funding to the SGTC Foundation for our Electrical Lineworker students who incur additional expense to earn their Commercial Driver’s License training while also attending the Electrical Lineworker program,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford.
“This scholarship allows students to achieve their goal of a career in the Electrical Lineworker field while also bringing additional skills to the workplace with their CDL,” explained Dr. Watford. “And with all of the devastation from Hurricane Helene right now, there is a tremendous need across Georgia and other southeastern states for Electrical Lineworkers and Commercial Truck Drivers.”
Both Davis and Clark and their families thanked Flint Energies for the extra assistance with the scholarships. “My goal is to help people and become a lineworker,” said Clark, who also added other goals included obtaining a job with Flint Energies and working for them for 40 years.
Davis also was thankful for the extra funding from Flint Energies because he lived on-campus while attending the CDL and Electrical Lineworker programs. “This was an opportunity for me to get an education and training that will help others and also help me become successful,” said Davis. “I am appreciative for this assistance.”
South Georgia Technical College partnered with power companies, electric cooperatives and others to initiate the Electrical Lineworker Program nearly 20 years ago. 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, and 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 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 trucks and trailers utilized in repairing and restoring electricity and electrical lines.
Nearly 1000 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.
For more information about the Electrical Lineworker program at South Georgia Technical College contact Tami Blount at 229-931-2040 or tblount@southgatech.edu.
South Georgia Technical College is currently accepting applications for this program and other classes as part of its eight-week Fall Semester C-term schedule. Classes begin October 16th and students can go to www.southgatech.edu and click on the Apply Now button on the top right-hand side of the home page.
For more information about applying, contact Admissions Director Candie Walters at 229-931-2299 or cwalters@southgatech.edu in Americus or Admissions Coordinator Hunter Little at 229-271-4051 or hlittle@southgatech.edu in Cordele.