2014 NEPPA Apprentice Skills Assessment Rodeo

Northeast Public Power Association held its 16th Annual Lineworker Apprenticeship Skills Assessment Rodeo at the NEPPA Training Facility in Littleton, Massachusetts. It was attended by 71 apprentices from throughout the northeast who competed in 10 separate events in the NEPPA pole yard. Times were recorded but points were also awarded for working safely and under control while working from the pole.

The first day started with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag which was once again supplied by the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Electric Plant of Wakefield, Massachusetts. That was followed by time of recognition for all the veterans in attendance. A moment of silence was then observed in remembrance of all those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Included in the moment of silence was the mention of Mark Miles, a lineworker that was killed while working on a trouble call almost one year ago. Finally, came the playing of our National Anthem, which signaled the beginning of the event. The apprentices then finished as many of the events as possible on the first day to help ensure that they could get all 10 accomplished during the two-day event.

The second day started with the "National Anthem" once again and the students immediately went to work to finish their remaining events. The Top Overall Performer was Jesse Cote for the 2nd year in a row. To see the 2014 Rodeo Winners, please go here!

The weather was perfect and many visitors arrived to show their support for their respective apprentices who were able to showcase their skills in a friendly competition. Several vendors including Hydron Inc., Stuart Irby Co., and Lincoln Hoist also supported the event by donating prizes for the top performers in each event. A faithful crew from Pascoag Utility District of Pascoag, Rhode Island once again worked over a very hot grill to supply the contestants with food and refreshments on both days.

The 2014 Rodeo was a huge success due largely to many of NEPPA’s members assisting in various ways such as supplying digger/derrick trucks to get poles set and bucket trucks to assist in the Hurt Man Rescue Event. An event like this is not possible without the help of many of NEPPA’s members and I thank them so very much.