High voltage worker stories: Rudi Rivera

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Apprentice Line Mechanic (5th step Hot Apprentice)

Prior roles: Customer Service Representative, Telecommunication Aerial Lineman
Location: Willis, Texas

years in the trade: 3 years

@Ohhruddles 
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this career isn’t just a job. To do this long term it has to be a passion. 

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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 grew up knowing about the trade. My Dad has worked in vegetation along side the electric utility company for 50 years now.  I was accepted into my apprenticeship by applying right before my graduation at Northwest Lineman College in Denton, Texas.

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

That this career isn’t just a job. To do this long term it has to be a passion. 
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The most beautiful part of being a tradesman is learning the craft so you can teach it to the next man or woman up.

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

My proudest moment thus far was when I was tasked to take up a new apprentice to clip in wire for the first time. Realizing that I was confident in my ability to not only do the task but pass down the knowledge that was given to me. The most beautiful part of being a tradesman is learning the craft so you can teach it to the next man (or woman) up. 

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

Showing up to our first site the day after the Derecho Wind storm hit Houston last year. It being my first big storm job I didn’t know what to expect. It was the first time I had seen whole towers folded over like a giant walked up and swat them. Millions of people were out of power and it felt like the whole city was watching us. 

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

The mental part of this job is by far the hardest. Your body is constantly pushed to a breaking point and it’s up to you to make the conscious decision to keep going. When you are working all 7days for weeks on  end you have to really know your “why

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

That it’s not a matter of IF you can do the job. It’s a matter of HOW you’re gonna get it done. 

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

In my opinion there are two kinds of people. “Want to” and “Have to” people. “Want to” people show up and want to do a good job and grow and learn. They take pride in the work they put in. “Have to” people will clock in, work their shift hours,  and go home. They’ll put in as much work as they have to.

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

My advice is to do it. This career has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It has made me realize I’m capable of more than I could’ve ever imagined.
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This career has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It has made me realize I’m capable of more than I could’ve ever imagined. 

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Have you worked in both union and non-union environments? 

I have only ever worked union , specifically IBEW Local 66.

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

In this line of work, things don't always go exactly as planned, and one experience that really taught me something important wasn't tied to a single event, but to the nature of the job itself. There was a time when a task didn't go as smoothly as expected, and it reminded me just how critical it is to slow down, reassess, and trust both the training I received, and the team around me.
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Last year, myself and two other apprentices started an all female lineman rodeo team — and we believe it’s the first in Texas.

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

I’m lucky to have a super supportive family. They know that I work so many hours to invest in our future. I do try to keep a balance by make it a point to show up to important events for my kids. Having a balance is necessary for sure. 

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

My career path started off working 8 years in Health Insurance customer service. I decided one day that I didn’t want to live my life behind a desk so I took a leap of faith into line work. This is where my future is. I couldn’t imagine doing any other job even on our hardest days. 

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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