NORFOLK, NE - Northeast Community College will be the site of an event designed to showcase the skills of utility line (UL) students from across the region. The 2018 College Powerline Rodeo will be held at the Northeast Community College Utility Line Building on Friday, April 6, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Approximately 36 participants from eight schools are currently set to compete. Students from Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota will take part in the event, as well as students from three Nebraska schools: Northeast, Western Nebraska Community College and Metropolitan Community College.
Teams compete in three physical events and a written exam. The competition allows students the opportunity to practice skills and techniques that they have learned in preparation for their careers in the electrical industry.
“Northeast is very excited to host the College Powerline Rodeo on April 6,” said Monty Johnson, dean of applied technology. “It allows us to showcase our tremendous facilities and amazing campus and allows our instructors to compare notes with those from other schools. Many of the schools attending don’t have access to the outside labs and especially not the indoor climbing lab like we have here at Northeast. I am thankful to all the faculty, staff and industry members that are helping to make this possible.”
At last year’s Powerline Rodeo, held at Western Nebraska Community College, Northeast utility line students dominated in the team events, placing first in the written exam, and first and second in the Cross Arm Change Out.
Northeast UL faculty members include Matt Johnson, Tom McKeon, Cleve Stolpe, Kyle Voecks and Larry Oetken, job training and safety coordinator.
Outdoor events at the Powerline Rodeo will be open to the public, weather permitting.
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