Robeson Community College students demonstrate their training at the college’s lineman rodeo

Graduates of Robeson Community College (RCC)’s Electrical Lineman program demonstrated their training and determination during the Lineman Rodeo held Aug. 28 immediately following their graduation ceremony.

Tim Bryant, the director of industrial technologies at RCC, emphasized how the rodeo prepares students for what lies ahead in the real world.

“This rodeo gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learned over the past 11 weeks. Their performance and scores reflect not only their progress, but also how they may be placed within the industry,” Bryant said.

The rodeo, held at the college’s pole yard, featured multiple skills-based competitions, including pole climbing challenges. The egg climb required students to ascend the pole while safely carrying an egg. Another challenge was the hurt man rescue, a timed exercise in which students practiced safely retrieving an injured colleague from a utility pole.

One graduate, Allen Britt, expressed pride in reaching this point in the program.

“It has always been my dream to become a lineman,” he said. “The preparation involved a great deal of climbing, hard work, and dedication.”

The Electrical Lineman Program at RCC equips students with the technical and practical knowledge necessary for careers in the utility sector. Among its distinguishing features is the opportunity to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential highly sought after by employers in the industry.

Another student, Bradley Gooden, described the experience as “a blessing.” He emphasized the program’s strong focus on safety.

“We went through extensive training on proper climbing techniques, pole inspections, and rescue procedures,” he said. “It has prepared me for the work I hope to do for the rest of my life.”

The program also plays a significant role in meeting the workforce needs of the region.

“We have industries within Robeson County and the surrounding areas actively seeking individuals who complete our program,” said Julie Baxley, the director of human resources and development and workforce solutions at RCC. “These 19 students are eager to apply the skills they have learned and begin long-term careers in the utility industry.”

Through the rodeo, graduates not only demonstrated their skills, but also proved the importance of RCC’s lineman training program in preparing a new generation of workers committed to ensuring reliable power and infrastructure across the region.