Madison Battise earns spot in Gary Job Corps Hall of Fame

Madison Battise is forging a path in a male-dominated career field. Battise joined the city of Seguin in 2018 as an Apprentice Lineman in the Electric Utilities Department. She recently completed a four-year apprentice program, making her the first female Journeyman Lineman in the city’s history. Battise earned her Journeyman Lineman certification after completing 8,000 hours of training through the city of Seguin Electric Utilities Department Apprenticeship Program.

Battise’s journey to become a lineman began when she took an electrical trade class in residential and commercial wiring at Brunswick Job Corps Center in Brunswick, Ga. After considering potential occupation paths, Battise decided that a lineman career pathway would be ideal due to the unique aspect of the field. Battise’s journey then led her to the Gary Job Corps Center, where she completed the Advanced Electrical Overhead Line Construction Program. Along with her trade completions, Job Corps helped provide her opportunities to gain her high school diploma, CDL license and OSHA certification.

“It was evident that she was well trained, always the first on call, having excellent pole climbing skills, a testament to her instruction from Adam Cantu, Gary Job Corps Electrical Overhead Line Instructor,” Freddy King, Electric Distribution Manager of Seguin Electric Utilities, said.

“While it’s absolutely a tough industry I chose to pursue, I feel honored and truly blessed to call myself Seguin’s first female Journeyman Lineman,” Battise said. “Over the past five years, I’ve prepared for this accomplishment by completing training through the city’s merchant program, training at the Northwest Lineman College and competing in the Lineman Rodeo to obtain my Department of Labor certification. Job Corps changed my life, [and] created a path for my success.”