High voltage worker stories: Matt Henry

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lineman

Prior roles: Foreman and Troubleman
Location: Alpine, California
years in the trade: 20 years

linemanmatt
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Get used to being comfortable while being uncomfortable

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Stories in the trade

This series hands the mic to the folks who keep the lights on—how they got in, what they’ve seen, and where the trade’s headed

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How did you first hear about the trade and how did you get into your first role?

I heard about the trade from my neighbor and family friend C.Simmons, he told me about his job and encouraged me to apply. I applied online to an entry level job at my local utility. 9 months after working within the utility, I got the opportunity to become an apprentice lineman.
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Crews are only as good as their weakest link. Share your knowledge, trust one another, and NEVER STOP LEARNING.

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What's one thing about this work that outsiders totally misunderstand?

Outsiders don't really know how dangerous this job really is. Not only worrying about your safety but also the safety of your crew.

What’s your proudest moment on the job so far?

My proudest moment was when I truly felt I've become a journeyman lineman of the trade. Not when I got the ticket, when I truly believed I could confidently do the trade and had the experience to excel at it.

What’s the most high-pressure or intense situation you’ve had to handle?

As a troubleman showing up to a car-pole with wire everywhere on the ground. I had to take command of the fire department, police, and civilians in the car in order to make sure everyone was safe until I could make the scene safe.

What’s the hardest part of the job and how do you handle it?

The long hours on the job while trying to keep your mind fully focused with the tasks at hand. To keep you and your brothers safe. To go home the same way you came to work.
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this job is keeping me humble. Never think you’ve seen it all and are better than anyone else because we all make mistakes

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What do you wish someone had told you when you first started on the job?

You will be missing holidays, birthdays and important things in your life in order to get the lights back on.

What kind of person thrives in this work? What kind of person doesn’t?

A person with dedication, pride, gratitude and thick skin. You can't learn this job on your own. You cannot be a selfish person, a mister know it all, just chasing paychecks and not thriving to learn this trade and become a better overall lineman.

What advice would you give to someone just thinking about joining the trades?

This job isn't for the soft. This job is going to beat you up mentally and physically. Get used to being comfortable while being uncomfortable.

Have you worked in both union and non-union environments? What felt different?

 I have only been blessed to work union my whole career and it's been great!

What’s something that went wrong on the job but taught you something important?

I missed marked cable and rolled phasing on the main line. It taught me you can be at your all time high as a journeyman not making any mistakes, to this job keeping me humble. Never think you've seen it all and are better than anyone else, because we all make mistakes.

How do you handle stacking OT or traveling for the job while having a family?

Telling the family I'll be busy for awhile and being present for them when I'm home for that little time.

What’s one things that gets overlooked on the crews?

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I think  it’s crew continuity. I think crews are as good as their weakest link. Crews need to trust and help one another. We all come from different parts of the trade with our experiences. Share your knowledge and experiences. Show your apprentice, your knowledge in order to help him grow, and show him how to keep himself and his crew safe. Last but not least

NEVER STOP LEARNING.

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What’s your career path look like (past, present, and future plans)?

 I have worked as a groundman, apprentice, lineman, foreman, and a troubleman. My plans for the future is to keep growing my knowledge in the field and to be open to new career opportunities. 

 

My biggest goal is to teach those new to the field and leave a legacy.

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.

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We're High Voltage Industries

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.