COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Columbia State Community College's Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently celebrated its Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy cohort with a competitive mini-rodeo that allowed students to demonstrate the technical skills learned over seven weeks of intensive training.
Shadon Peery of Columbia earned first place overall, Jeremiah Roan of Mount Pleasant took second, and Benjamin Hongsermeier of Dickson placed third. Upon completion of the program, all students received Tennessee Valley Public Power Association climbing certification, first aid and CPR certifications, OSHA 10 with ET&D certification and NSC flagger certification. Students are also prepared to sit for a commercial driver's license, credentials that position them for immediate entry into apprenticeships with local utilities and municipalities.
The mini-rodeo featured three events that mirror real-world linework. In the 80-foot pole climb, Travis Garza of Columbia finished first, Jeremiah Ragsdale of Culleoka second, and Gabriel Trujillo of Thompson's Station third. The bell change, where students climb a 40-foot pole and change out the bell that holds the line to the pole, saw Roan win first place, Ragsdale take second and Peery finish third. In the switch transfer, students climbed a 40-foot pole to change out the switch attached to the cross-arm. Peery won first place, Brecken Inch of Spring Hill came in second and Roan placed third.
Tiffany Odom, Columbia State Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education coordinator, emphasized the strength of the program's local partnerships. "This program stands out because of our incredible instructors and the strong partnerships we have with local utilities and municipalities," Odom said. "Their support is essential to the success of both the program and its participants." Jeremiah Roan of Mount Pleasant was awarded the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Outstanding Student Award. Additionally, 10 scholarships were awarded through grants from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, launched in 2019 by Metallica's foundation All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges.