Apprentices show their stuff at the NEPPA Apprentice Skills Rodeo

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The Sixth Annual NEPPA Apprentice Lineworkers Skills Assessment Rodeo was held in Pascoag, R.I. on June 20 and 21. The competition featured 10 events that tested the skills of the over 50 participants. The weather also became a challenge as temperatures rose to the mid 90s on both days of the competition. All of the competitors finished all of their events without incident due in part to the consumption of nearly 1,000 bottles of water during the two days.

The competition was very strong this year with many close scores. Tim Percy, a third year apprentice from the Village of Johnson, Vt., took first place in the Insulator Change Out, the Free Climb, and the Transformer Change Out events that also earned him the "Top Overall Performer" of the 2012 Rodeo.

Tim Gray from Sterling Municipal Light Department took first place in the Cross Arm Change Out event. Bruce Dubey from Groton (Mass.) Electric Light Department took first place in the Bucket Rescue competition. Bob Clancy from Belmont Municipal Light Department and Nathan Campanelli from Holden Municipal Light Department tied for first place in the Rope Toss event. Trevor Bissonette from Taunton Municipal Light Plant took first place in the most important event – the Hurt Man Rescue and also finished first in the Obstacle Course. Also from Taunton, Jeff Leconte took first place in the Fall Protected Climb and also in the Transformer Change Out event which is a two-man team event. It was a remarkable effort by all the participants under very difficult circumstances.

We would like to thank representatives from Stuart Irby and Hydron, Inc. for supporting this event.

This event marked the last NEPPA rodeo to be held in Pascoag, R.I., as NEPPA is moving both the school and eventually the NEPPA office to Littleton, Mass. It is with a little sadness that the Apprentice School bids farewell to some wonderful friends that make up the Pascoag staff. Their unbelievable support has been most appreciated and their friendship will endure a lifetime. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to a new friendship with the folks at Littleton Electric Light Department.