17th Annual Northeast Public Power Apprentice Lineworker’s Rodeo

On June 17 and 18, Northeast Public Power Association held its 17th Annual Lineworker Apprenticeship Skills Assessment Rodeo at the NEPPA Training Facility in Littleton, Mass. It was attended by 82 apprentices from throughout the northeast who competed in 10 separate events in the NEPPA pole yard. Times were recorded but points were most important and they were 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, Mass. That was followed by a 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 freedom. Finally came the playing of our National Anthem, which was performed live on guitar by Jay Del Signore, husband of Colleen Delsignore of the NEPPA Staff, 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 students immediately going to work to finish their remaining events. The Top Overall Performer was Will Maxeiner from Norwich Public Utilities in Norwich, Conn.

The weather was perfect and a few visitors arrived to show their support for their respective apprentices who were able to showcase their skills in a friendly competition. The 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 2015 Rodeo was again 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 Wellesley Municipal Light Plant for supplying a bucket truck and a worker 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 we thank them so very much!