South Georgia Technical College

Fourteen members of the South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker Spring 2025 class participated in a Lineworker Family Day recently to demonstrate to their families the different skills they had acquired during the eight-week program that qualifies students for an entry level apprentice position with power companies and other related businesses.

The students were divided into teams and completed four different events including: pole climbing, pole top rescue, changing out a transformer and installing a ground on a single-phase line. Each task was scored based on the time, accuracy and safety procedures followed.

The team of Will Smith of Bonaire, GA; Carlos Barrios of Lawrenceville, GA; Elijah McDaniel of Cochran, GA; Owen Davis of Newnan, GA; and Blaine King of Nashville, GA; took first place in the competition for their outstanding performance. This team also broke the school record of 2 minutes, 43 seconds for the pole top rescue by competing it in 2 minutes, 31 seconds.

The Highest Exam Score Award and the Mr. Sparky Award were both presented to Brian Milotte of Americus, GA. The Mr. Sparky Award is voted on by the class and awarded to the student who exemplifies the work ethics of a good lineworker.

The members of the SGTC Electrical Lineworker Spring 2025 Class A included: Carolos Barrios of Lawrenceville, GA; Cayden Bickford of Naylor, GA; Owen Davis of Newnan, GA; Brennen Deloach of Gray, GA; Blaine King of Nashville, GA; Elijah McDaniel of Cochran, GA; Brian Milotte of Americus, GA; Travis Parker of Americus, GA; Tyler Robinson of Kathleen, GA; Kaleb Smith of Nashville, GA; Will Smith of Bonaire, GA; John Southard of Ellaville, GA; Shederick Wyche of Thomasville, GA; and Nathan Yeager of Newnan, GA.
South Georgia Technical College partnered with power companies, electric cooperatives and others to initiate the Electrical Lineworker Program in 2005. There was a need by these companies to 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 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. SGTC Electrical Lineworker students also have the opportunity to earn a CDL Class A or B license. To be employed as an electrical lineworker, students must be able to drive the truck and trailers utilized in repairing and restoring electricity and electrical lines.

Approximately 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. With over-time and storm duty, many electrical lineworkers are making six-figures in less than three years.
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. Summer semester begins May 22nd and ends July 30. Fall semester will begin August 18. Students can go to www.southgatech.edu and click on the Apply Now button on the top right-hand side of the home page to apply.