Gary Job Corps alumni is helping keep Seguin safer

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 4-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. Her 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, Georgia. Her journey then led her to the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos 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. Freddy King, electric distribution manager of Seguin Electric Utilities, said of Madison, “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.

“While it’s absolutely a tough industry I chose to pursue, I feel honored and truly blessed to call myself the 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.'

“Job Corps changed my life, created a path for my success,' she said.