Two 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: Jordan Bynes of Louisville, GA, and Ryan Harstad of Fortson, GA.
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.
Both 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.
Ryan Harstad enrolled in the Electrical Lineworker program at South Georgia Technical College after earning a Bachelor’s Degree. “I realized that my degree was ultimately not what I wanted to pursue in life,” said Harstad. “I found out about the lineworker industry from a family member and decided to give it a go as a new means for a career.
“I have really enjoyed the classes. They have been rewarding and enjoyable thus far. This scholarship is a great help toward paying for the tuition and housing/cafeteria which I had to pay for out of pocket since I no longer qualified for the HOPE Grant since I already had my Bachelor’s degree. I hope to have a job in the industry as soon as possible after graduation,” added Harstad.
Jordan Bynes was excited about applying for the scholarship and the support it would provide him on his journey toward becoming an electrical lineman. “My passion for this career, combined with my dedication to following all safety procedures properly, drives my ambition to excel in this field,” said Bynes.
“Through hands-on training and classroom study, I strive to develop the skills needed to work on power lines throughout Georgia and in areas that need assistance. This scholarship is allowing me to focus on mastering the trade and will help provide the tools and equipment necessary to succeed as an electrical lineman,” added Bynes.
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.