Electric Cities of Georgia

 ECG’s Groundman Certificate Program offers the opportunity to attain the skills necessary to become an Apprentice Lineworker. Since 1992 our experienced instructors have trained students to fully develop their potential and contribute in a positive manner to the success of their organizations. Low instructor to student ratios allow extra one-on-one coaching and mentoring from the ECG training staff with over 181 years of combined experience. 

What to Expect Each Day

Meet Your Instructors

With over 41 years of lineman experience, Jon currently serves as the VP of Training and Safety for ECG. He has actively trained lineworkers in 3 states to more than 65 cities and over 1000 students. Jon coordinates and leads utility crews on disaster response/mutual aid for ice-storms, hurricanes and tornados. Jon provides expert testimony on behalf of Participant cities related to accident investigations. A key player in the creation of the “Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo” and the “APPA Lineworker’s Rodeo Competition” serving as Master Judge. His team took top honors in the “1999 International Lineman’s Rodeo Competition.” APPA honored Jon with the “Kramer-Preston Personal Service Award” in 2006 for his continued work and support. He has served on the APPA E&O Committee as Section Chair and as Chair of the Safety Committee. Jon currently serves on the APPA Safety Manual Review Task Force, and MAWG (Mutual Aid Working Group) as well as previously serving on the APPA RP3 panel. 

Having over 36 years experience in linework, Greg is currently the Assistant Director of Training and Safety with ECG. He has previously served as a Judge and Chief Judge for the “APPA Power Lineman’s Competition” and “Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.” Greg is a certified instructor in numerous areas including: Georgia Dept. of Transportation, Aerial Lift & Pole-top Rescue, Emergency Response Power Restoration, OSHA Electrical Hazards & High-Voltage, First Aid/CPR and AED and FEMA Incident Command, Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents, and National Incident Management System. He is a member of the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association. 

Preston has over 16 years of experience in the electrical linework industry and is a Training and Safety Specialist for ECG. Preston has worked storm trouble in several states and holds instructor certifications in numerous areas, including Florida MOT; First Aid CPR/AED; Aerial lift; and Pole-top Rescue. He is a member of the National Utility Training and Safety Education Association (NUTSEA). In addition to his electrical experience, Preston is the inventor and patent holder of the “Howell Hoist,” a drill-powered hoist for the linework industry. He is also the co-founder of Higher Power Solutions (HPS), which streamlines electric utility maintenance by utilizing drones and proprietary software.

Chance brings over 25 years of experience to ECG as a Training & Safety Specialist. He previously worked for Acworth Power, where he served in several capacities as a Lineman ranging from Supervisor, Training and Safety Coordinator, and a member of the City of Acworth Training and Safety Committee. Chance’s vast knowledge of linework has helped multiple states with disaster response/mutual aid for ice storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. He is a certified Instructor in numerous areas, including Georgia Department of Transportation, First Aid, CPR, AED, Power Distribution Operations Certification, Chainsaw Safety Certification, and NIMS Certification.

Jake brings over 20 years of experience to ECG as a Training & Safety Specialist. As a First Class Lineman, he previously worked for Washington EMC and, before that, at the City of Sandersville, where he served in several capacities, including substation work, the apparatus shop, and underground and overhead work, as well as being a trouble-shooter, maintaining the electric infrastructure. Jake’s vast knowledge of linework has helped in multiple states for disaster response/mutual aid for ice storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Jake is a certified Instructor in numerous areas, including Georgia Department of Transportation Traffic Control, First Aid, CPR, AED, Power Distribution Operations Certification, and Chainsaw Safety Certification.

Who Should Attend

Any employee who will work with or on a Powerline crew, either as a permanent assignment or in a storm/disaster situation. 

*We have had engineers, warehouse, and water-sewer employees attend. 

Class Location

Providing meeting space, classroom education, and a pole yard for hands-on instruction, our training centers are strategically located to allow easy geographical access to our students.

Class Pricing

Members: $1,500
Non Members: $4,500

Class Dates

Class Schedule

Monday
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday – Thursday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend, substitutions will be permitted up to one week prior to the first class date with written notification, there will be no refunds or credits given. Attendee must attend all 5 days to receive Certificate of Completion. ECG reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any scheduled training class or to replace personnel. 

*While ECG has made reasonable efforts to provide quality training services, it makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability with respect to any training for any particular purpose. Any reliance you place on such training for a particular purpose is therefore strictly at your own risk. All information and material presented herein are subject to copyrights owned by ECG and other individuals or entities. Any reproduction, retransmission, republication, or other use of all or part of any information found herein is prohibited unless prior written permission has been granted by ECG or the appropriate copyright owner. Copyright 2020. Electric Cities of Georgia, Inc. All rights reserved.