Eight 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: Bryce Roberts of Pelham, Jadyn Tingle of Milledgeville, Jacob McKinley of Kathleen, Logan Comerford and Morgan Folds of LaGrange, Cooper Milner of Albany, Austin Anthony of Box Springs, and Jack Cox of Fortson.
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.
All eight of the students attending the SGTC Fall eight-week Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certificate Training program expressed their appreciation to Southeastern Electric Exchange for the support of their educational endeavors.
Jacob McKinley, a 19-year old with experience in the construction field, found out about the program while participating in a co-op at Flint Energies. “During my time at Flint Energies, I learned about South Georgia Technical College and its Electrical Lineworker program. This scholarship will greatly help me complete school and begin my career in this field,” said McKinley.
Morgan Folds of LaGrange, GA; also thanked Southeastern Electric Exchange for the scholarship funding. “This scholarship was a blessing to help with the on-campus housing and meal expenses. My family is financially burdened and this scholarship is an investment in my future and will help me begin my career as an Electrical Lineworker.”
Jack Cox of Fortson sincerely thanked S.E.E. for the support and donation they made to South Georgia Technical College. “The opportunities I have been given at South Georgia Tech have greatly impacted my life. Throughout my time in the line worker program, I have made connections with all kinds of people as well as fell in love with this line of work, not only the physical aspect of it, but the brotherhood that comes along with it,” explained Cox.
Bryce Roberts of Pelham talked about how the scholarship will help him further advance his career. He has been working at the Fire Department to help with the cost of schooling and housing expenses. “The scholarship is helping me to be more prepared for the future and will allow me to go out and buy tools and equipment needed to help me have a head start to my lineworker journey.”
All eight of the S.E.E. scholarship students live in SGTC’s on-campus housing, which was an added expense to the program. All eight will utilize the scholarship funds to help with that cost as well as purchase equipment or tools to begin their lineworker career.
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 nearly 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.