St. Clair College students welcomed back the annual powerline rodeo to Chatham on Thursday.
Students of the powerline technician program participated in a number of challenges, including relay climbs, insulator changes, pole rescues, and ringing the bell.
The college's powerline training facility on Bear Line Road was packed, as students got the chance to demonstrate their training to the community.
"I've loved climbing since I was a little boy," said student Ashton Macleod after ringing the bell.
In an environment where heights, crowds, and weather conditions can make for daunting work, Macleod believes he always had it in him.
"I used to climb every tree... I'd climb rocks, I'd climb everything. When I found out I could do this kind of stuff, make good money, I had to take it," added Macleod.
The support from students and professors was felt by those in the program, as crowds formed to cheer on their classmates.
"These teachers and the guys here are so good... they work with you through everything," said student Ethan Palmer, who expressed gratitude for his peers in the program.
The Powerline Technician program trains over 150 students per year, and is one of the most popular programs at St. Clair's Chatham campus.
***This story was written by Ede Brecevic. Ede is a student in the Fanshawe College journalism program, and is currently doing an internship with CKNewsToday.ca
