30 Duke Energy lineworkers from across Carolinas secure spots to compete at International Lineman's Rodeo this fall
Duke Energy celebrated a significant achievement as 30 lineworkers from North and South Carolina earned spots at the prestigious International Lineman's Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, scheduled for October 18. The qualifiers emerged from the Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo, where they demonstrated excellence in essential skills like equipment repair, pole climbing, and rescue operations.
Notable winners include Max Blackwell from Virgilina, who secured Overall Best Apprentice, and the team of Tyler Manick, Tyler Nickols, and Joshua Buckner from North Carolina, who claimed Overall Best Journeyman Team. The competition was particularly meaningful as participants had previously supported Hurricane Helene response efforts.
The event showcased Duke Energy's commitment to workforce development, with strong community involvement including 33 company volunteers, 56 students and staff from eight community colleges, and 72 judges. As Duke Energy continues expanding its modern and resilient grid to meet growing energy demands, these skilled lineworkers play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the power infrastructure serving 8.6 million customers across six states.
Duke Energy ha celebrato un importante traguardo: 30 tecnici delle linee elettriche provenienti dalla Carolina del Nord e del Sud si sono qualificati per il prestigioso International Lineman's Rodeo che si terrà a Bonner Springs, Kansas, il 18 ottobre. I qualificati sono emersi dal Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo, dove hanno dimostrato eccellenza in abilità fondamentali come la riparazione delle attrezzature, la scalata dei pali e le operazioni di soccorso.
Tra i vincitori di rilievo figurano Max Blackwell di Virgilina, che ha conquistato il titolo di Miglior Apprendista Assoluto, e la squadra composta da Tyler Manick, Tyler Nickols e Joshua Buckner della Carolina del Nord, che ha ottenuto il titolo di Miglior Squadra di Operai Qualificati. La competizione ha avuto un significato particolare poiché i partecipanti avevano precedentemente supportato gli interventi per l'uragano Helene.
L'evento ha messo in luce l'impegno di Duke Energy nello sviluppo della forza lavoro, con una forte partecipazione della comunità, inclusi 33 volontari dell'azienda, 56 studenti e personale di otto college comunitari, e 72 giudici. Mentre Duke Energy continua a espandere la sua rete moderna e resiliente per soddisfare la crescente domanda di energia, questi tecnici specializzati svolgono un ruolo cruciale nel mantenere e migliorare l'infrastruttura elettrica che serve 8,6 milioni di clienti in sei stati.
Duke Energy celebró un logro significativo al lograr que 30 linieros de Carolina del Norte y del Sur ganaran un lugar en el prestigioso International Lineman's Rodeo en Bonner Springs, Kansas, programado para el 18 de octubre. Los clasificados surgieron del Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo, donde demostraron excelencia en habilidades esenciales como reparación de equipos, escalada de postes y operaciones de rescate.
Entre los ganadores destacados se encuentran Max Blackwell de Virgilina, quien obtuvo el título de Mejor Aprendiz General, y el equipo formado por Tyler Manick, Tyler Nickols y Joshua Buckner de Carolina del Norte, que ganó el título de Mejor Equipo de Oficiales Calificados. La competencia fue especialmente significativa ya que los participantes habían apoyado previamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al huracán Helene.
El evento mostró el compromiso de Duke Energy con el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, con una fuerte participación comunitaria que incluyó 33 voluntarios de la empresa, 56 estudiantes y personal de ocho colegios comunitarios, y 72 jueces. Mientras Duke Energy continúa expandiendo su red moderna y resiliente para satisfacer la creciente demanda energética, estos linieros capacitados juegan un papel crucial en mantener y mejorar la infraestructura eléctrica que atiende a 8.6 millones de clientes en seis estados.
Duke Energy는 노스캐롤라이나와 사우스캐롤라이나에서 온 30명의 전선 작업자들이 10월 18일 캔자스주 보너 스프링스에서 열리는 권위 있는 International Lineman's Rodeo에 참가 자격을 획득하는 중요한 성과를 축하했습니다. 이 참가자들은 Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo에서 장비 수리, 전신주 등반, 구조 작업과 같은 필수 기술에서 뛰어난 실력을 보여주며 선발되었습니다.
주목할 만한 수상자로는 버질리나 출신의 맥스 블랙웰(Max Blackwell)이 전체 최고 견습공으로 선정되었으며, 노스캐롤라이나 출신의 타일러 매닉, 타일러 니콜스, 조슈아 버크너 팀이 전체 최고 숙련공 팀으로 선정되었습니다. 이번 대회는 참가자들이 허리케인 헬렌 대응 활동에 참여한 경험이 있어 더욱 뜻깊었습니다.
이 행사는 Duke Energy가 인력 개발에 대한 의지를 보여주었으며, 회사 자원봉사자 33명, 8개 커뮤니티 칼리지에서 온 학생 및 직원 56명, 그리고 심사위원 72명이 참여하는 강력한 지역사회 참여를 포함했습니다. Duke Energy가 증가하는 에너지 수요를 충족하기 위해 현대적이고 탄력적인 전력망을 확장해 나가는 가운데, 이 숙련된 전선 작업자들은 6개 주에 걸쳐 860만 고객에게 전력을 공급하는 인프라를 유지하고 개선하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다.
Duke Energy a célébré une réussite importante alors que 30 techniciens de ligne de Caroline du Nord et du Sud ont obtenu leur place au prestigieux International Lineman's Rodeo à Bonner Springs, Kansas, prévu pour le 18 octobre. Les qualifiés sont issus du Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo, où ils ont démontré leur excellence dans des compétences essentielles telles que la réparation d'équipements, l'escalade de poteaux et les opérations de sauvetage.
Parmi les gagnants notables figurent Max Blackwell de Virgilina, qui a remporté le titre de Meilleur Apprenti Général, et l'équipe composée de Tyler Manick, Tyler Nickols et Joshua Buckner de Caroline du Nord, qui a remporté le titre de Meilleure Équipe d'Ouvriers Qualifiés. La compétition a été particulièrement significative car les participants avaient précédemment soutenu les efforts de réponse à l'ouragan Helene.
L'événement a mis en avant l'engagement de Duke Energy envers le développement des compétences, avec une forte implication communautaire comprenant 33 bénévoles de l'entreprise, 56 étudiants et membres du personnel de huit collèges communautaires, ainsi que 72 juges. Alors que Duke Energy continue d'étendre son réseau moderne et résilient pour répondre à la demande énergétique croissante, ces techniciens qualifiés jouent un rôle crucial dans le maintien et l'amélioration de l'infrastructure électrique desservant 8,6 millions de clients dans six États.
Duke Energy feierte einen bedeutenden Erfolg, als 30 Leitungsmonteure aus North und South Carolina Plätze beim renommierten International Lineman's Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, das für den 18. Oktober geplant ist, errangen. Die Qualifikanten kamen aus dem Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo, wo sie hervorragende Leistungen in wesentlichen Fähigkeiten wie Gerätewartung, Mastklettern und Rettungseinsätzen zeigten.
Zu den bemerkenswerten Gewinnern zählen Max Blackwell aus Virgilina, der als bester Auszubildender insgesamt ausgezeichnet wurde, sowie das Team Tyler Manick, Tyler Nickols und Joshua Buckner aus North Carolina, das als bestes Gesellen-Team ausgezeichnet wurde. Der Wettbewerb hatte eine besondere Bedeutung, da die Teilnehmer zuvor bei den Hilfseinsätzen nach dem Hurrikan Helene unterstützt hatten.
Die Veranstaltung zeigte das Engagement von Duke Energy für die Entwicklung der Belegschaft, mit starker Beteiligung der Gemeinschaft, darunter 33 Unternehmensfreiwillige, 56 Studenten und Mitarbeiter von acht Community Colleges sowie 72 Richter. Während Duke Energy weiterhin sein modernes und widerstandsfähiges Stromnetz ausbaut, um der steigenden Energienachfrage gerecht zu werden, spielen diese qualifizierten Leitungsmonteure eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Wartung und Verbesserung der Strominfrastruktur, die 8,6 Millionen Kunden in sechs Bundesstaaten versorgt.
- 30 Duke Energy lineworkers qualified for the International Lineman's Rodeo, demonstrating operational excellence and skill development
- Company is actively expanding and modernizing power grid infrastructure to meet growing regional demand
- Strong workforce development through community college partnerships to address increasing skilled worker demand
- Successful restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene showcase operational resilience
- Company maintains strong regional presence serving 8.6M electric customers and 1.7M natural gas customers across multiple states
- Hurricane Helene and Milton impacts limited company's participation in 2024 International Lineman's Rodeo
- Growing regional demand requires significant infrastructure investment and workforce expansion
- Lineman's rodeo competitive events test essential on-the-job skills such as equipment repair and pole climbing
- Winners include lineworkers who supported Hurricane Helene response and restoration
Lineman's rodeos showcase the skills and abilities of electrical line workers and involve various challenges that test proficiency in traditional job-related tasks such as climbing poles, handling tools, making equipment repairs and performing rescue operations – while also promoting safety, camaraderie and teamwork. Categories scored included equipment repair, pole climbs and simulated "hurt man" rescues.
Top winners advance to the acclaimed International Lineman's Rodeo in
"While we are always proud of our line teams, their resoluteness to compete in the rodeo this year after the significant impacts of Hurricane Helene last fall across our service areas is an affirmation of how strongly committed they are to our customers and communities," said Emily Henson, regional senior vice president, Power Grid Operations.
Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo 2025 winners include:
Apprentice Overall Awards
East Division
- First place – Max Blackwell (
Virgilina, Va. ) - Second place – David Hutter (
Durham, N.C. ) - Third place – Jesse Hunter (
Henderson, N.C. )
West Division
- First place – Noah Walker (
Hickory, N.C. ) - Second place – Sterling Sauls (
Hickory, N.C. ) - Third place – Braden Riggs (
Clyde, N.C. )
Overall Best Apprentice – Max Blackwell (
Journeyman Overall Awards
East Division
- First place – Josh Haithcock (Sardis, S.C.), William Gandy (
Hartsville, S.C. ), Zack Haithcock (Timmonsville, S.C. ) - Second place – Trevor Welch (
Youngsville, N.C. ), Will Pernell (Epsom, N.C.), Austin Bunn (Bailey, N.C. ) - Third place – Austin Bowden (
Benson, N.C. ), Ryan Denning (Benson, N.C. ), Lane Pickett (Louisburg, N.C. )
West Division
- First place – Tyler Manick (
Old Fort, N.C ), Tyler Nickols (Marion, N.C. ), Joshua Buckner (Marion, N.C. ) - Second place – Jay Bagwell (
Travelers Rest, S.C. ), John Hightower (Travelers Rest, S.C. ), Ethan Anders (Travelers Rest, S.C. ) - Third place – Justin McCarson (
Horse Shoe, N.C. ), Logan Ruppard (Saluda, N.C. ), Raymond Pierce (Hendersonville, N.C. )
Overall Best Journeyman Team – Tyler Manick (
Overall Best Senior Team, East Division – Danny Haithcock (
Overall Best Senior Team, West Division – Sandy Barnhill (
In 2023, 60 Duke Energy lineworkers competed at the International Lineman's Rodeo and took home four awards. Duke Energy participation in the 2024 International Lineman's Rodeo was limited due to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton response and restoration. Held annually in
"The rodeo gives us a chance to show our family and friends what we do on a day-to-day basis, and it brings out some of the best teamwork you'll ever see. And because it's a competition, we get to have a little fun with each other while sharpening our skills and knowledge," said Jordan Henderson, Duke Energy journeyman lineworker. "Lessons I've learned through participating in rodeos over the years have helped me in many on-the-job situations to be able to get the lights on faster for customers while being as safe as possible."
The 2025 Duke Energy Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo was supported by company and community volunteers, including 33 Duke Energy volunteers, 56 volunteer students and staff from eight community colleges, 72 judges and six bucket truck operators as well as six teams who participated in a cooking competition.
Protectors of the power grid
From population growth to the expansion of manufacturing and other major economic development, the regions that Duke Energy serves are growing rapidly, and the company's increasingly modern and resilient grid is evolving to meet current and future energy needs. Duke Energy's trusted line teams have a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the energy grid now and in the future.
"Beyond battling extreme weather, the valuable work our line teams do every day is enabling Duke Energy to build a grid that is smarter, stronger and more reliable," said Rick Grant, regional senior vice president, Power Grid Operations. "We put complete trust in our lineworkers each day to perform challenging, highly skilled work to provide the energy we all rely on, keeping safety for customers and each other as top priority."
Elevated expertise
As Duke Energy continues to develop its workforce to meet surging energy demands, there is also increasing demand for skilled workers, available jobs and opportunities for advancement. Hiring and developing entry-level lineworker talent is critical for the long-term success of the company, which has evolved its hiring process to collaborate with and recruit from local community colleges across its service areas that have lineworker training programs.
Individuals interested in a lineworking career with Duke Energy should contact community colleges directly for information on their specific training programs and available funding.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Logan Stewart
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_LoganS
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/30-duke-energy-lineworkers-from-across-carolinas-secure-spots-to-compete-at-international-linemans-rodeo-this-fall-302440079.html
SOURCE Duke Energy
FAQ
How many Duke Energy (DUK) lineworkers qualified for the 2025 International Lineman's Rodeo?
What skills are tested at Duke Energy's (DUK) Lineman's Rodeo competition?
How did Hurricane Helene impact Duke Energy's (DUK) 2024 International Lineman's Rodeo participation?
Who won the Overall Best Apprentice award at Duke Energy's (DUK) 2025 Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo?
How is Duke Energy (DUK) developing its lineworker workforce for future energy demands?
