Karol Olalde of Leesburg receives the SGTC Foundation Sumter EMC Lineworker scholarship

November 25, 2025
Shown above (l to r) are SGTC President Dr. John Watford with the SGTC Foundation Sumter Electric Foundation’s Electrical Lineworker Scholarship recipient, Karol Olalde, SGTC Lineworker Instructor Sidney Johnson and SGTC Electrical Lineworker Partnership Coordinator Tami Blount.
Shown above (l to r) are SGTC President Dr. John Watford with the SGTC Foundation Sumter Electric Foundation’s Electrical Lineworker Scholarship recipient, Karol Olalde, SGTC Lineworker Instructor Sidney Johnson and SGTC Electrical Lineworker Partnership Coordinator Tami Blount.

      Karol Olalde of Leesburg received the South Georgia Technical College Foundation Sumter EMC Electrical Lineworker Scholarship recently.  SGTC President Dr. John Watford and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird made the presentation along with other South Georgia Technical College officials.  Olalde was awarded the scholarship based on his work ethics, academics, and overall class performance. 

   “One of the seven guiding principles that governs the way Sumter EMC operates is involvement in the communities we serve.  This partnership with South Georgia Technical College is a great example of how good things happen when people in a community work together for a common goal.  Through this grant from the Sumter EMC Foundation, we support local education efforts by providing scholarship funds to deserving students,” said Andrea Walker, Chair of the Sumter EMC Foundation.  “On behalf of everyone at Sumter EMC and the Sumter EMC Foundation, I would like to extend our congratulations toKarol Olalde as well as to the other individuals in this program, because you will help us keep the lights on in our communities.”

     Sumter EMC is a locally owned and operated electric cooperative serving Chattahoochee, Dougherty, Lee, Marion, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster counties. The Sumter EMC endowed scholarship at South Georgia Technical College is designed to help the students who reside in Sumter EMC’s electric cooperative area and who are enrolled in one of the following programs:  Electrical Lineworker, Industrial Electrical, and/or Drafting Technology.

   South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford thanked Walker and the Sumter EMC Foundation for their support of the SGTC Foundation and South Georgia Technical College.  “We are so appreciative of the support that our college and students receive from Sumter Electric and their foundation,” said Dr. Watford.  “Partnerships are crucial to our success and we appreciate the partnership we have built with Sumter EMC.  They are helping create opportunities for our students, college, and community for workforce education.”

  Olalde thanked the South Georgia Technical College Foundation and the Sumter EMC Foundation for their support of this program and students.  “I am an 18-year old student just beginning my journey in the linework industry and I am fully committed to building a strong future in this field.  The lineworker program has shown me how important this career is and I am determined to work hard, learn as much as I can and develop the skills needed to succeed,” said Olalde.

   He also added that “with this support, I can continue growing in a career that keeps communities connected, and one day give back by helping future students the same way I was helped.  Receiving this scholarship not only motivates me but also makes it possible for me to reach my goals in this essential and challenging industry.”

    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 with the potential to reach six figures.

   South Georgia Technical College partnered with Sumter Electric Membership Corporation, Georgia Power and other power companies, electric cooperatives and others to initiate the Electrical Lineworker Program.  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, have the opportunity to earn a Commercial Truck Driving Class B License 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. 

    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. 

    South Georgia Technical 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.

   Spring semester classes begin January 7 and students can apply for free in November using the code FREEAPP25.