Lineworker’s Pre-Apprentice Program Celebrates 10 years; Power Companies Hungry for New Graduates

A hot shower, followed by a cup of fresh-made coffee, and some cold milk aimed for the cereal bowl is such a common morning routine that many of us forget that it wouldn’t be possible without functioning powerlines.

The annual lineworker pre-apprentice rodeo and skill demonstration held on May 20 at Miller Campus’ Lineworker Training Pole Yard was a chance for 19 graduates to showcase their power lineman skills to a gathered crowd—a crowd that included local utility companies looking for new talent.

SLCC’s Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Program qualifies students to be hired by Utah utility companies. They then spend four years training and earning a living before becoming full-fledged journeymen.

In its tenth year, SLCC’s pre-apprenticeship program has an 80% placement rate for student graduates.

“This is an essential job. Lineworkers literally keep the lights on—and it is one of the top five most dangerous professions in the nation,” said Rhett K. Bigelow, who coordinates the Lineworker Program. “This is not a job for the faint of heart.”

Bigelow explains that when the United States was first being electrified in the 1920s and 1930s, the fatality rate was a staggering 1:2 per day. Even through the 1980s, the fatality rate was 1:1000 annually. It is less than that now.

“The industry has come a long way in safety even just since our program started ten years ago,” said Bigelow.

(Left to right) R. Erich Kolan (student), Triston Spinks (Student), Darion Bird (student) receive awards for placing in competitive lineworker events.

SLCC offers the only training program like it in the state and is substantially more affordable than out-of-state training options. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s Learn and Work Program covered tuition for 18 of the 19 graduates in this year’s class (out-of-state students are not eligible for this funding).

In SLCC’s four-month, full-time pre-apprentice program (there is a part-time program too), students spend the first half of their training in the classroom learning such topics as shop math and geometry, electrical theory, basic computer skills, resume writing, and interviewing skills.

The second half of the program is hands-on and outdoors, where students are learning skills that include how to climb power poles, switch powerlines, and switch out transformer boxes. They also learn how to rescue an injured worker. Each student is certified in CPR, first aid, and using a portable defibrillator.

Nineteen new graduates will begin working in the field, many as apprentices, on a path to becoming a full-fledged journeyman.

“I like serving the community and keeping the power on, plus I like working outdoors with my hands,” said Eaton Hansen [Syracuse High School], who knew this is what he wanted to do right after high school. Like many of his colleagues, he had family members who were former lineworkers. “When I first came to one of these competitions, I knew this is what I want to do.”

New graduate Carter Gratton [Murray High School] spent six years in the Navy before enrolling in the SLCC program. “The Navy taught me what I like and helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” said Gratton, whose grandfather was a lineman. “I like how thorough this program has been and all the experience you get before your next step in the field.” Gratton is starting as a groundsman with Murray Power this month.

New graduate Spencer Taylor [Manti High School] father worked on telephone lines. He said, “I’ve learned a lot from our instructors, who themselves have a ton of experience. They teach you a lot of things that can help you do your job faster, be more efficient and be safe—there is a big emphasis on safety.” Taylor’s next step is an apprenticeship with Mount Pleasant Power.

(Left to right) Instructor Dave Andrews, program coordinator Rhett Bigelow, Peter Reed (Talent Ready Utah), and lead instructor David West.

Over its ten-year history, Lead Instructor Dave West has seen SLCC’s pre-apprenticeship program’s reputation excel. “We’ve become well known. When companies see SLCC training on our graduates’ resumes, it bumps them up. We get companies requesting our graduates.” West had a 30-year career with Provo Power before retiring to teach at SLCC in the pre-apprentice program when it launched in 2012.

“This is a hard, dangerous trade and it takes a certain type,” explained West. He admits there is some adrenalin involved, but his focus with his students is to hone a strong work ethic, good attitude, and solid skills and safety protocol. “I was a crew foreman, so I treat them [pre-apprentice students] like they are on my crew to prepare them.”

West adds: “When the power goes out, these guys go to work. Regardless of the weather and sometimes putting in 18-20-hour days to get the power back on. They’ve got to be ready for that.”