- Is a seventh-step apprentice who recently competed in the apprentice division at the 2024 International Lineman’s Rodeo.
- Enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, eating at Texas Roadhouse and helping others. He also loves to hunt and fish.
- Learning how to use meters, different powered hand tools and digger derricks during his apprenticeship.
- Encourages aspiring apprentices to never stop learning and always look for ways to improve and sharpen their skills.
- In the future, he sees the need for grid infrastructure improvements and expansions.
Getting His Start
I got my foot into the door as a groundman working on a Vac-Tron truck and various other urd work such as boring and stubbing transformers for line installations. I did not go to boot camp or a line school. I had no previous experience really except for a few years working for Comcast.
Making a Career Change
Working on power lines and in the electrical field has always been something that interested me for years. It wasn't until the age of 32 I made the decision to pursue this field. I knew one or two people who were lineworkers but they had never talked about their careers. I made numerous phone calls to the union, MoValley and friends and eventually began working as a groundman for Capital Electric. From there I eventually started my apprenticeship and next year I will top out as a journeyman lineman.
Day in the Life
As a seventh-step apprentice, I'm currently on an overhead dock crew learning many different things from switching, reconduct jobs, pole changeouts, maintenance work, even some urd, and many other things. My work day currently runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. I am on a three-person crew and am the only apprentice. Our work focuses on dock work for Evergy. I am trained through the experiences we encounter with the work Evergy gives us each week.
Challenges and Rewards
It is challenging to travel to get the required experience especially when you have a family. It’s also difficult to keep up with the bookwork from the JATC.
Training for Today’s Apprentices
I think there are a lot more resources available to apprentices now, and the book work is probably more advanced than in the past.
Storm Memories
Working storms for me is the pinnacle moments of what I do. I enjoy them thoroughly. I love to help people. I love the giving spirit and the spirit of unity and gratitude that overcomes everyone involved. The working conditions are tough sometimes with long hours, little sleep and being away from your own family. All of these things are part of storming though. It gives me a great sense of pride to work on storms.
Challenges and Rewards
I love being a part of this trade. It's very rewarding and storming is my favorite part. Turning people's lights back on in a time of loss and devastation is very rewarding.
Succeeding as an Apprentice
It takes a good attitude, a good work ethic and perseverance. I would say my best quality is the work ethic my parents helped develop in me.
Staying Safe
To stay safe in the field, you must use safe work methods, proper PPE and fall protection correctly.
Future Plans
I see myself as a journeyman lineman and hopefully a foreman eventually. To reach this goal, I plan to continue working hard and learning everything I can possibly learn.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to nominate an apprentice for Faces of the Future, please email Field Editor Amy Fischbach at [email protected]. All profiled apprentice lineworkers will receive a tool package from Milwaukee Tool.
