COLUMBIA — Columbia State Community College's Office of Workforce and Continuing Education hosted a Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Mini-Rodeo, where students completed a seven-week program showcased their skills through competition and earned multiple industry credentials.
Shadon Peery from Columbia took overall rodeo honors, followed by Jeremiah Roan from Mount Pleasant in second place and Benjamin Hongsermeier from Dickson in third. Students competed in three challenging events: an 80-foot pole climb, a bell change on a 40-foot pole, and a switch transfer—all tasks linemen perform in the field to maintain electrical service. Upon completing the program, students received Tennessee Valley Public Power Association climbing certification, first aid and CPR certifications, OSHA 10 with Electrical Transmission & Distribution certification, and NSC flagger certification. They are also prepared to sit for a commercial driver's license. Jeremiah Roan was named the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Outstanding Student. Tiffany Odom, Columbia State Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education coordinator, emphasized the program's strength: "This program stands out because of our incredible instructors and the strong partnerships we have with local utilities and municipalities." Ten scholarships were awarded through grants from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, launched in 2019 by Metallica's foundation in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges.