Journeyman Lineman PG&E. Started my apprenticeship in 2011. Topped out in 14, went to PG&E in 16, and to NLC in 20.
What kind of training/education did you have to do to get this job?
Graduated NLC in 2011, completed a 4 year apprentice program, and now have passed all four levels to become a master professional technical educator.
What's your proudest moment in the job so far?
In 2017 I got the call to come do storm work in my Hometown Oroville California where the auxiliary dam almost collapsed. We worked 13 days straight 16-hour days to restore a 230 kv line that was wiped out from the flood.
What's the most high-pressure or intense situation you've had to handle?
Having a 19 year old apprentice lose his life on the job in my arms.
What's the hardest part (physical/mental) of the job and how do you handle it?
The physical side of linework will always be a factor. Working hard is a given. So staying physically fit is a must. The mental sidegets tough.. the longer you are around the trade the more prepared you are for how intense the right of way can get. Things will happen, they will not go as planned, your whole world might feel like its collapsing but its not. The mental side is built on a personal level outside of work.
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Make sure your work ethic is impeccable, being humble is a lifestyle. Read books on how to handle intense situations. PRAY.
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Working hard is a given. So staying physically fit is a must. The mental side gets tough.. the longer you are around the trade the more prepared you are for how intense the right of way can get.
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What advice would you give to someone just thinking about joining the trades?
If you want to join this trade. Make sure your work ethic is impeccable, being humble is a lifestyle. Get a Class A, start incorporating cardio into your workouts to counteract the neg affect of caffeine, nicotine and no sleep. Read books on how to handle intense situations. Do research on all aspects of linework and what the challenges will be. Pray.
we’re opening the floor to the folks who do the work
⚡ Features of real workers in the trade ⚡ Craft features
⚡ Tips for the trade
Just real experiences, real lessons learned, and real advice from people who do this work every day.
High Voltage Industries started because the most dangerous and essential work in America is also the most invisible. You put your lives on the line every single day and people don't even know what you do.
We're here to share your stories and honor the sacrifices you make so people can flip a switch every day. And we make gear for those who literally risk their lives to keep the world running.
This is your story
Working in conditions others won't face, taking risks others can’t even imagine, solving problems others can't understand, carrying responsibility others can't handle. The grid doesn't maintain itself.
We're telling that story.
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