Line Mechanic "Rodeo" (Thursday at Bert. Crossing Campus, LMC)

from South Bend Tribune coverage by Sherry Van Arsdall for Oct. 15 edition:
9 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. (Thursday the 14th)
The participants displayed their skills in a four-event contest Thursday at LMC's Bertrand Crossing campus before receiving their Line Mechanic D certificates for completion of the program.

Events with individual and group competitions included pole top rescue, tie six knots, cross arm change-out and three-person relay.
"I made a career change. I worked 22 years in a factory, and it's time for a change," Kingsley said. "I enjoy the outdoors. It can be hot or nasty, but that's part of the job, and I don't mind it."
Kingsley gave high praise to his LMC line mechanic instructor, Bob McAlister.
"I can't stress enough the good instructor we had. He taught us well, both in how to climb well and in safety," Kingsley said. "Proper training is the big key to safety."
The students learned basic skills needed to maintain the intricate grid of power and communication lines that dot the landscape.
Some of the skills included how to climb poles, build lines as well as overhead and underground construction.
They also received instruction for first aid and CPR, plus prepared for commercial driver's license (CDL) training.
The line mechanic program is part of a series of training programs being developed by LMC that address the need for qualified workers in the energy production industry, McAlister said.
"Other areas of focus include nuclear, coal-fired plants and wind energy," he added.
The college received support and guidance in developing the noncredit program from Indiana Michigan Power with a $25,000 gift to fund program startup costs, said LMC President Robert Harrison.
I&M shared its line mechanic training curriculum with LMC, facilitated the purchase of equipment for the program and hosted several students as part of the field experience portion of the course, Harrison said.
I&M assisted in setting up the pole yard for the rodeo competition at the campus.
"We talked with several colleges about setting up a line mechanic program," Barry Visel, I&M community relations manager, said.
There was some job-shadowing and word has come back that these students are learning what they need to know, Visel added.
"It's a very physical job. It takes a lot of skill but ultimately they do it in a safe manner," Visel said.
These students are two years ahead of someone coming in off the street who has to be trained, finds out they don't like the job and leaves, officials said. The utility company has lost money and time as a result, Visel added.
"These students have proved they aren't afraid and that's what we like to see from a utility perspective. It's a win-win situation," he said.