High voltage worker stories: Gaige Isaak

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groundman

Location: huntington beach, California

years in the trade: 5 years

@ohhgaigey

@ohhgaigey2.0
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I’m not huge on heights believe it or not, so Long lining from helicopters on this past job I was on really had me overcome that fear.

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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? 

My buddy told me about the trade when we were in Havasu and he had a boat and a river house and I asked him what he does for a living and he told me about the trade. He told me about the steps to get in the union so I went and got my class and then went to line school up in Oroville.

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

One big thing outsiders totally misunderstand about working in this trade especially in the union, like IBEW is just how grueling and unpredictable the lifestyle really is—particularly the travel, long separations from family, and the constant “boom and bust” cycle of work.

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

I’m not huge on heights believe it or not, so Long lining from helicopters on this past job I was on really had me overcome that fear, I mean hanging from that line and trusting your equipment was everything I feel that I needed to get over in that moment and I really ended up enjoying that.
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One big thing outsiders totally misunderstand about working in this trade especially in the union. lIKE, ike IBEW is just how grueling and unpredictable the lifestyle really is—particularly  THE TRAVEL...

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

Not everyone you work with is going to be your friend or has your best personal interest. I understand that while we’re all on the same crew and need to work together safely and effectively, the priority is always the work, following protocols, and looking out for each other’s safety—not necessarily building personal friendships. I aim to be respectful, reliable, and professional with everyone, even if our personalities don’t mesh personally.

What’s the hardest part (physical/mental) of the job and how do you handle it?

I think when it’s your first time or your first day on the crew and you’re trying to figure out your lineman, how they want things a lot of them are very particular and have different quirks so having to deal with that on the job in the moment and remembering each of their particular needs can be stressful at times. Because you always need to be one step ahead of them your job is to make their life easier.

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

I was on a crew out in LA and the day was going so smooth, and I think we may have all been really comfortable on how things were going with the kinda of work we were doing, just a lot of maintenance with cross arm change outs, and one of the JL’s in the bucket had dropped a phase into another and caused a arc flash. So seeing that for the first time was really eye opening and just shows you how fast something can turn the entire day around.

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

You just gotta have an upbeat work drive, ready to hump and get it at all times while working. There’s absolutely 0 room for anyone not pulling their own weight.

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

I wouldn’t let social media fool you and just think you’ll get into an apprenticeship right out of line school. Most crews like for you to learn how to use a shovel before you get anywhere near a pole.

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

I was open to San Francisco and we had one of our operators loading a mini excavator and just hit the wrong controls. It was late at night after a long shift and the excavator ended up exiting off the trailer slamming while he was inside the cab and I definitely thought he was dead. I definitely learned that taking time when using equipment, especially around others, is more important than getting everything back to the yard fast.
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Not everyone you work with is going to be your friend or has your best personal interest.
 

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

OT is what we all strive for, it’s definitely a weird day when you’re only working 8 hours. I think after a while its just something you can count on, and a lot of us get pissed of when its a 8 & skate. Luckily I have a girlfriend that understands that and supports me. It’s so amazing coming home to a home cooked meal and lunches for the next day. 

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

I just applied for the substation tech apprenticeship, and definitely excited to be more than a groundman and a hole digger haha, I’ve definitely aced that category so im very ready to move on and use the tools that I buy.
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Luckily I have a girlfriend that understands that and supports me. It’s so amazing coming home to a home cooked meal and lunches for the next day.
 

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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.

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