HGTC Receives Donation from Sumter Utilities
Sumter Utilities provides equipment for HGTC Electrical Lineman Program.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently received a generous equipment gift from industry partner, Sumter Utilities. The full-service electric power services company donated a mini-excavator valued at $27,000 to be used for the Electrical Lineman program.
“HGTC appreciates Sumter Utilities for being a supportive industry partner and providing the generous donation as we continue to grow the lineman program,” said Dr. Marilyn M. Fore, HGTC President.
Jason Dubose, Sumter Utilities Director of Human Resources, has worked with HGTC Professor Scott Shoemaker for over three years and visited classrooms every semester. Mr. Dubose and other Sumter Utilities representatives met with HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, and Professor Shoemaker recently to deliver the mini-excavator for the Electrical Lineman program taught on the Conway Campus.
“Without prompting, Jason Dubose at Sumter Utilities proposed to his administration the donation of the mini-excavator for the enhancement of our program,” said Scott Shoemaker, HGTC Professor-Electrical Lineman. “For Sumter Utilities to donate quality equipment like this is substantial considering the budget limitations of most utility contractors. HGTC is very fortunate to have the strong relationship and constant communication with Sumter Utilities as the company is the most involved with our Electrical Lineman Program."
The mini-excavator has become the workhorse of underground utility work in all utility underground construction.
“This equipment is exactly what we need for training of underground utility construction and the safety procedures used for trenching. The equipment is pertinent to the industry today and into the future,” continued Professor Shoemaker.
Sumter Utilities recognizes the importance of improving education for the company’s needs and through HGTC improving these skills for our industry as a whole.
“There is a stigma in the industry that overhead lineman are the ‘frontline’ utility worker,” said Jason Dubose, Sumter Utilities Director of Human Resources. “In Horry and Georgetown counties, Sumter Utilities crews are comprised of 80% underground electrical utility workers and 20% overhead so, we are pioneering and emphasizing the importance of underground construction and maintenance.”
The Electrical Lineman training yard located on the Conway campus was recently expanded to allow the college to double enrollment at the beginning of the fall semester. Funding for the project was made possible through a $195,000 Duke Energy Grant received this year in response to an increase in community interest and utility needs expressed by local industry.
“We regularly connect with our community leaders to understand the needs of industry and take pride in being quick responders to meeting those special requests. HGTC thanks Sumter Utilities for a great partnership particularly as enrollment continues to increase and students prepare for new careers with many area utilities,” continued President Fore.
The Electrical Lineman program began in January 2015 following the initial construction of the lineman yard in November 2014. The program prepares students both mentally and physically to have the knowledge, skills, techniques, and desire to enter a utility and remarkably has a 98% job placement rate. The program is a one semester course and offers six classes per year.
Representatives from Sumter Utilities presented a mini-excavator valued at $27,000 to HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn M. Fore at a recent ceremony. (Pictured Left to Right) Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, Vice President-Academic Affairs-HGTC, Mikell Murray, Executive Vice President-Sumter Utilities, Derek O’Bradovich, President-Sumter Utilities, Paul Gaughf, Vice President Business Development-Sumter Utilities, Scott Shoemaker, Professor-Electrical Lineman Program—HGTC, Dr. Marilyn M. Fore, President-HGTC, James Barbee, Vice President Fleet Services-Sumter Utilities, Jason DuBose, Director of Human Resources-Sumter Utilities, Robert Vermeland, Professor-Electrical Lineman Program—HGTC.