Rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures are not exactly the type of weather you’d typically want for a skills showcase.
But this is precisely the conditions that students in the Powerline Technician program at St. Clair College have been training for, as they put their skills on display at the 11th annual Powerline Rodeo.
“This is their bread and butter. This is where the money's made,” said David Dwyer, College support staff in the Powerline program. “When the weather is bad, they want you out there and keeping the lights on.”
About 160 students in first and second year compete in several skills challenges at the College’s National Powerline Training Centre in Chatham-Kent, Ont., such as the pole top rescue, ring the bell, climbing relay, don't break the egg and installing storm guys.
“This is a normal day for us,” said second-year Powerline Technician student Dillon Thurlow, who competed in the ring the bell event. “I don't really want to be climbing when it's minus one and raining. But this is what we’ve got to do. This is what we deal with, and they train us for it.”
“It's our version of a talent show. This is our day. We go out and show them what we’ve got. We’re here to shine,” said Thurlow, who along with fellow students, took turns strapping onto a 60-foot pole, climbing to the top, ringing a bell then carefully descending back to the bottom in the timed event. Some students were even able to crack one minute, which was a tremendous feat, given the weather conditions.
“That's what utilities come and look for. There are certain events that utilities pick out specifically to watch so they can pick up who's got what it takes to be a lineman,” said Thurlow, who noted some of his fellow students were interviewed and hired by industry representatives, on the spot at this year’s rodeo.
The National Powerline Training Centre is the largest post-secondary trainer in the province, attracting students from across Canada to attend St. Clair’s Chatham Campus.
“This is their highlight of the whole year, their chance to showcase their stuff,” said Kevin Byrne, the Powerline Technician program coordinator, who reiterates this is a terrific opportunity for students to get scouted by industry representatives. “We have contractors here, local utilities, they all come here. Students are working their way into getting picked up by those utilities.”
At the Powerline Rodeo, family members are also invited to get a glimpse of what students have been learning during their time at college.
“It's a big deal. We've been preparing for this all year,” said Emily Mailloux, a first-year student whose family was in attendance. “So finally, we get to show our families and everyone what we've been working on.”
“All the parents are excited to see what they've invested in,” added Dwyer.
The day also displays the camaraderie within the program, with students working together to complete challenges and cheer each other on towards success.
“We're all brothers and sisters,” remarked Dwyer. “We all work together to get the job done safely and effectively and keep the power on for the people of Ontario.”
Check out the video below for a highlight reel of the day’s competition.
