Students in the Powerline Technician program at St. Clair College demonstrated their technical expertise during the 12th annual Powerline Rodeo, held on April 9, 2026, at the National Powerline Training Centre in Chatham, Ontario. The event brought together approximately 175 first- and second-year students to compete in high-stakes skills challenges while connecting with potential employers in an industry facing a significant labour shortage.
The rodeo featured a variety of practical competitions designed to test climbing and safety skills, including pole top rescues, climbing relays, and insulator changes. With more than 500 people in attendance, the day served as both a showcase for friends and family and a major recruiting ground for the utility sector. Industry representatives travelled to the site to collect resumes and scout for new talent, a practice that has previously led to immediate job offers for graduates.
The event took place at the college’s dedicated training facility on Bear Line Road, which opened in 2018 as Ontario’s largest post-secondary site for powerline trade training. This facility plays a critical role in addressing an urgent need for new workers, as the industry works to replace an aging workforce. With the average age of powerline maintainers in Ontario reported at 55, the college’s program remains a key pipeline for the next generation of technicians.
