Three SGTC Electrical Lineworker students receive Flint Energies CDL Scholarships

   South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker students Casey Boothe of Byron, Terrence Edwards of Sparta, and Joseph Brock Stubbs of Maulk, were awarded the South Georgia Technical College Foundation’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.  “Right now, there is a tremendous need across Georgia and other southeastern states for Electrical Lineworkers and Commercial Truck Drivers.”

    Boothe, Edwards and Stubbs all thanked Flint Energies for the extra assistance with the scholarships.  Booth is a 32-year old husband and proud father of three, who has served as a full-time firefighter in Central Georgia for the past 10 years.  He is grateful to have received the HOPE Grant as well as the Flint Energies scholarship.

   “This is a tremendous help,” said Boothe.  “Linework is something I was interested in from a young age, but life led me into the fire service.  About a year ago, I made the decision to pursue the career I originally wanted and finally chase my dream of becoming a lineworker.  I applied with Georgia Power and although I was not selected, I refused to let that setback stop me.  Instead, I enrolled in school and committed myself fully to this path.”

   The training he received from this program will help him achieve his dream career and the funding from Flint Energies will help him purchase the essential tools and equipment he needs to begin his career.

    Terrence Jamaal-Richard Edwards is also a father and has made sacrifices to help ensure his one-year old son has a great upbringing. “This scholarship is very beneficial,” said Edwards.  “I have invested a lot of time into simultaneously taking the electrical lineworker program and the commercial truck driving program to be able to achieve my dreams.  I am always one of the last students to leave the commercial driving class even though I have already taken the lineworker class for eight hours.”  Edwards is also driving two hours one way to school each day, so he is committed.

   Joseph Brock Stubbs is eager to start his journey as an electrical lineworker.  “I have always heard that South Georgia Technical College has the best electrical lineworker program and now that I am here, I am sure it is,” laughed Stubbs.  “I love the idea of being part of a team and helping restore power to families and businesses, allowing me to give back to the community. With the funds this scholarship provides, I will be able to invest in tools and essentials to help me achieve my long-term goal of becoming a lineworker,” added Stubbs.

   South Georgia Technical College partnered with power companies, electric cooperatives and others to initiate the Electrical Lineworker Program over 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.

     Over 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 for Spring Semester.  Classes begin January 7 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. Students can use the code FREEAPP25 during November to have the application fee waived.

   For more information about applying, contact Admissions Director Candie Walters at 229-931-2299 or cwalters@southgatech.edu in Americus or Admissions Coordinator Macy Williams at 229-271-4051 or macy.williams@southgatech.edu in Cordele.