Public Power Lineworkers Earn Awards at National Lineworkers Rodeo

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
April 3, 2023

Seven journeyman teams and 15 individual apprentices won awards at the American Public Power Association’s twenty-first annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo, held March 31-April 1, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Forty-five journeyman teams and 100 apprentices competed. Forty-one utilities had competitors in the apprentice and/or journeyman competitions. The “rodeo” is a series of competitive events demonstrating lineworker skills and safe work practices.

“We’re so pleased by the participation this year of lineworkers representing public power utilities from communities across the nation,” said Jeff Haas, APPA Acting President & CEO. “The friendly competition is all about safety, training, comradery, and pride in the craft.”

The awards honor lineworkers’ expertise, and the events are judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion. All safety rules established by APPA’s 17th edition Safety Manual were observed during events.

There are two levels of competition within the rodeo: journeyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground person – and can include an optional alternate. Journeymen have years of experience within the electric utility trade, while an apprentice lineworker is newer to the craft.

Click here for a full listing of award winners.