SGTC lineworker graduates finish 4th in Georgia Lineman’s rodeo

August 29, 2019

Here is a photo the linemen demonstrating the skills needed to do their challenging job safely at the annual Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.

Two South Georgia Technical College Electrical Lineworker graduates took top honors in the 2019 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo at the FFA Camp John Hope in Perry. Bradley Knowles, a Spring 2010 graduate from Hawkinsville, and John Mastin, a 2010 Fall semester graduate from Ft. Valley, were both part of a Flint Energies EMC team that finished fourth in the journeyman division.

Each year professional journeyman teams and apprentices with EMC’s statewide compete against teams and apprentices from municipal electric systems in Georgia. EMC journeymen took the top five spots in overall competition in journeyman division, and EMC apprentices took the top five spots in their overall competition.

Brad Knowles, John Mastin, and Greg Hill with Flint Energies in Reynolds were a part of the three-person team that finished fourth this year in the overall journeyman division. They were featured in the September 2019 Georgia Magazine.

The Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo is now in its 25th year and it has become popular with utility works and the public. The family-friendly event gives linemen an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and talent before family and friends.

This year 76 EMC apprentices and 29 EMC journeyman teams competed. An awards banquet was held to recognize winners in each division as well as overall team winners.

South Georgia Technical College was the first technical college in Georgia to offer an eight-week Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certificate Training course to help students obtain entry-level employment with regional utility companies. This was done in response to industry demands. The first class began in 2005 and since that time, SGTC has trained hundreds of students who have been hired in the electrical industry.

Individuals interested in signing up for the Electrical Lineworker program at South Georgia Technical College can contact Tami Blount at tblount@southgatech.edu or call 229-931-2040.

South Georgia Technical College has on-campus housing available and offers students the “complete college experience” with intercollegiate athletics, student clubs and organizations, and outstanding academics with over 200 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate of credit programs available.

For more information about the programs offered at South Georgia Technical College visit the website at www.southgatech.edu or contact the admissions office in Americus at 229-931-2394 or 229-271-4040 in Cordele. To schedule a tour, email sgtc411@southgatech.edu.