KC holding lineman rodeo to promote new program

Students looking for a goodpaying career straight out of high school will soon have another viable option and those jobs will be on display at the first-ever Lineman Rodeo at the Rusk County Electric Cooperative grounds in Henderson on April 30.

The rodeo will serve as a preview of jobs that Kilgore College will soon offer training for.

"We are beginning a new program in September that will award students an electrical power certificate after only seven weeks of classes that will allow them to go right to work for an electric company," said Martha Woodruff, director of KC's Workforce Development program. "We realized the need in the area for qualified electrical linemen and are excited to help fill that void with the new classes."

The tentative schedule includes two journeyman events (Hurt-Man Rescue and Speed Climb) and two apprentice events (Climbing Obstacle Pole and Changing-out Insulator Contest). Tools, gloves and sleeves will be made available for hands-on demonstrations by area vendors. After the rodeo and free lunch, guests will be shown a video and given information on the new curriculum KC will offer. The event will last from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Also, a "Hot Line School" will take place on the training field adjacent to the rodeo where eight to 10 demonstration crews will be working from bucket trucks.

The event is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Kilgore College Workforce Development Advisory Committee, consisting of Rusk County, Trinity Valley and Bowie-Cass electric cooperatives. Woodruff said it is targeted toward high school students, but anyone who is looking for a good-paying career is invited.

"Those interested will get the chance to see exactly what linemen do in the field," Woodruff said. "It will be a great preview of what skills KC will offer with the new Electrical Power Technology Program."

Electrical linemen can expect to make $13-18 as a starting salary. With a large number of projected employee retirements within the next five to seven years, area electric cooperatives are expecting a large shortage in workers.

"Workers can expect a great job, great salary and benefits," said Chad McNeely, director of safety and training for Bowie- Cass Electric Cooperative. "We have had several linemen work their way up to engineering, information technology and construction foremen positions. It's a great career to pursue."

Guests are asked to RSVP with Sandra Hall, RCEC executive secretary, at (903) 657- 4571 or e-mail her at: sandra@ rcelectric.org. All reservations must be made by April 23.