Supporting Greatness. Developing Opportunities.

 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

Jon Beasley

ECG VP of Training & Safety

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. 

Greg Phillips

ECG Assistant Director of Training & Safety 

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. 

Calvin Vallee

ECG Training & Safety Specialist 

Calvin brings over 35 years experience in linework, He is currently a Training and Safety Specialist with ECG. Calvin spent his entire carrier with Griffin Power with the last 10 years as Line Crew Foreman. He has worked storm trouble in 3 states, including Hurricanes Wilma, and Hugo. He was instrumental in forming the first Rodeo team for Griffin Power in 2006, and competed four years himself before becoming a coach for the team. Calvin holds his instructor certification in numerous areas including: Georgia Department of Transportation, First Aid, CPR and AED, Aerial Lift & Pole-top Rescue. He was a member of the Safety First Task Force for two years, and is currently on the GLRA Events committee. Calvin is also a member of the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association.

James Adams

ECG Training & Safety Specialist 

James brings over 30 years experience in linework, with the last 10 years as Line Crew Foreman for the City of LaGrange. He has worked storm trouble in multiple states, including Hurricanes Opal, Fran, Irene, Matthew & Irma. James holds his instructor certification in numerous areas including: Georgia Department of Transportation, First Aid, CPR and AED, Aerial Lift & Pole-top Rescue. He was a member of the Safety First Task Force for two years. James is also a member of the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association. 

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.

Newnan Training Center
381 Corinth Road
Newnan, GA 30263

Class Pricing

Members: $500
Non Members: $1500

Class Dates

January 22-26, 2024 – Newnan

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

Simple Ways to Register

Contact Kelsey Bennett with registration information. 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 770.661.2770 
Fax: 770.956.1909 

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.

Upcoming Events

24
April 2024

ECG Board Meeting

10 AM EST

The April ECG Board Meeting has been canceled. ECG Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month at the MEAG Training Facility in Forsyth, Georgia unless notified differently. Meetings start promptly at 10:00 am. Click here to… read more

26
3
May 2024

GA Lineman's Rodeo

9 AM EST

The Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo Association (GLRA) is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia. The purpose of the association is to support and conduct an annual Linemen’s Rodeo, to maintain a focus on safety, training,… read more

20
May 2024

Apprentice Class 62C

8 AM EST

ECG’s Powerline Workers Apprenticeship Program is a three-year certification designed to enhance utility employees’ knowledge and skills in this field. Powerline workers are responsible for building, improving, and maintaining the poles and wires that… read more

5
June 2024

ECG Engineering & Operations Conference

2 PM EST

ECG’s annual Engineering and Operations Conference is strategically structured to give our members more one-on-one time to network and have in-depth conversations with vendors and utility professionals. Session topics presented by Industry Experts are… read more