July 8, 2020

I hope you are all doing well and remaining healthy. We are all in the middle of trying times and I greatly appreciate your diligence and patience as we all adjust to the conditions that the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to us. The most recent statistics and reports indicate an up-tic in the infection rate for the COVID-19 virus. The threat to the health and well-being of those who contract the virus remains significant. The most recent directives from Gov. Lee and from government and health organizations continue to emphasize the need for social distancing and for isolation. This and heightened hygiene practices are the best methods for minimizing the threat posed by the virus and for reducing spread of the virus. State statistics show that Rutherford County is the third highest in number of confirmed cases of the virus in Tennessee.
With these factors as my guide, and with the primary purpose of the JT&S program being the health and safety of us all, I am announcing that we are cancelling all workshops and schools scheduled to be held at the TCAT Murfreesboro campus through the end of September. This will include the Advanced Transformer School schedule for this month, July, as well as Line Clearance Tree Trimming School, Regulator Recloser School, Hotline School, and Substation School. Any advanced registrations for any of these schools will be placed at the top of our registration for the next time these schools/workshops are held. Fees already received will be refunded to the respective utilities. Please remember to cancel any room reservations you have made by contact the hotel directly.
I do not make this decision lightly. After reviewing the appropriate information and consulting with the JT&S Advisory Committee, I believe this is the best course of action to protect the employees of our participating utilities, to protect the JT&S Staff, and to protect the public at large. We fully intend to resume our normal schedule for all workshops and schools when the pandemic has run its course and authorities give us the all clear. Continuing with the Underground School, Basic Transformer School, and Foreman’s Conference scheduled later this fall will depend on the state of the pandemic by then and we will review conditions as those dates draw closer. We will give you as much advance notice as possible, but we must remain flexible until conditions return to something closer to normal.
For those requiring any of the canceled Schools to complete their Safety Certified Linemen designation or for those who use these schools as part of the apprenticeship program, we will be developing alternative programming to help fulfill those requirements. You can contact me or Holly for more details or watch our website at WWW.TNJTS.COM for details and announcements.
Finally, please note that cancellation of these schools does not change the status or availability of your JT&S instructor to assist you with your ongoing safety program. Each of the JT&S staff remains readily accessible and able to provide the same quality professional safety service for your safety program and training needs. Delivery of programs or field safety services will continue per the desire and requirements of our participating utilities. All programming and training sessions will comply with the policies and procedures enacted by the host utility, and will conform to the guidelines provided by the CDC and State of Tennessee. For specifics regarding your regular monthly training opportunities, contact your JT&S instructor.
Again, thank you for your patience and diligence in maintaining a safe work environment and for continuing to provide essential utilities that our communities so desperately need. Be compliant, be safe, stay healthy, and thank you for your participation and support of the Tennessee Job Training & Safety Program.

Mike Simmons
TN JT&S Coordinator, CSP

July 8, 2019

Electric lineworker is the 11th most dangerous job in America. Despite extensive safety precautions and ongoing training, sometimes the worst can happen.

Funds raised through the purchase of the new lineworker plates go to the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. This non-profit foundation serves lineworkers and their families when one of our own is killed or injured on the job. The state of Tennessee has approved the license plate, but they require 1,000 paid preorders before the plates are put into production. If we do not reach 1,000 commitments, you can request a full refund or donate your money to the foundation.

It is hard to predict exactly when the plates will be available. Once we receive 1,000 preorders, the state will put the plates into production. You will receive a letter when they are available for pickup at your local county clerk’s office. The timeframe depends on how quickly we reach 1,000 preorders and how much time it takes for the state to produce the plates.

Your $35 preorder will be applied to your first lineworker plate.

The Foundation is funded through sales of the Powering Tennessee lineworker license plates. Support the foundation by preordering your specialty plate today.