JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Saturday, JEA hosted the Florida Lineman Competition Rodeo in Jacksonville where more than 215 electric lineworkers from 15 Florida utilities came together to demonstrate their knowledge of their craft.
The lineman competed in one of two categories, journeyman teams or apprentices. Journeyman teams had three members and included at least one lineworker who had been in the industry for five years or more. Apprentices or lineworkers in training competed individually.
Competitors took on various challenges such as changing out fuses, replacing wires, disconnecting power lines, and a simulation of rescuing injured lineworkers. Competitors earned points for completing the tasks as quickly as possible and lost points if safety standards and practices weren’t followed.
“Each year, the Florida Lineman Competition Rodeo provides lineworkers with an opportunity to hone their craft and forge friendships with fellow lineworkers across the state. It’s also a chance for the general public to come out and get a close-up view of what life on the line is like,” Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director said.