Sixteen students graduated on Wednesday, March 25, from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.

The students experienced a vigorous, 10-week training program that included donated equipment such as trucks, poles and climbing equipment, as well as hands-on expertise from GNTC instructors. Upon completing the program, students received four certificates of completion for Electrical Lineworker, a restricted Class A Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) license, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and an overall certificate verifying 395 training hours completed. The program is offered through GNTC’s Office of Economic Development.

“GNTC lineworker graduates enter the workforce with the essential tools for success; they have a bright and shining future ahead of them,” said Judy Roddenberry, instructor of Commercial Truck Driving at GNTC. “We have many past students who encourage their friends, families and neighbors to come to GNTC.”

“As instructors, we understand the responsibility and trust given to us in order to better prepare our students for their next steps in life,” Roddenberry said. “We strive to foster a positive environment for learning and encourage them to pursue learning opportunities throughout their careers.”

The spring 2026 cohort is the 10th cohort of the Electrical Lineworker program since it began in fall 2022.

Graduates from the program’s 10th cohort are Yoni Bautista, Widman Diaz, Evan Hayes, Miguel Martinez, Gage McWhorter, Omar Munguia, Jose Pacheco, Luis Perez, Javier Plaza, David Postell, Miguel Rebolloso, Christian Rodriguez, Eric Salazar, Trey Scales, Dontarious Thompson and Cayden Watson.

Graduates from GNTC’s Electrical Lineworker program for spring 2026 are (from left, front row) Yoni Bautista, Widman Diaz, Jose Pacheco, Javier Plaza, Miguel Rebolloso, Eric Salazar, Dontarious Thompson, Cayden Watson; (back row) Trey Scales, Evan Hayes, David Postell, Miguel Martinez, Luis Perez, Christian Rodriguez, Omar Munguia and Gage McWhorter.

The next cohort of GNTC’s Electrical Lineworker program starts April 27, but is currently at maximum enrollment. Seats are still available for the cohort that begins Aug. 31. For more information about the program, go to Lineworker or contact GNTC’s Office of Economic Development via email at Lineworker.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit us at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.