Changing Career Paths
I worked for SNET, the first telephone company in the world. After many years, I was introduced to the construction side of the company. I was hooked. I spent 17 years as a utility lineman, but I always desired the electrical side of the trade. When I was offered the opportunity to switch sides, I jumped at the chance. Last year, I was in the twilight of my apprenticeship and topped out in November 2025.
Training on the Job
My company has a fantastic training facility, but it was not available for daily training of apprentices. I immediately spoke to my managers to create a training yard for daily training of apprentices in an underutilized section of our supply yard. We set poles, ran wire and created a training yard that is used daily to train apprentices in real-life situations, non-energized.
Making the Transition
I became a lineman in the phone company. We were required to set poles better than power companies because our lines require splicing up to 3600 pairs of wires. Electric companies only have a few wires to splice. I was lucky to get into the local power company. I have done my apprenticeship through Eversource, in conjunction with the Northeastern Apprenticeship Training Program (NEAT).
Day in the Life
In our company, every day is a different job. We are often blessed with a capital job that offers in-depth training opportunities.
Challenges and Opportunities
I do not have to travel for my job, but I also don’t have the access to adequate “hot time” jobs because I work for a local municipality.
Memorable Storm
I’ve worked many storms, and they have ranged from the benign to total destruction. All new recruits feel like they’re saving the world. Every lineman loves the overtime, but safety always comes first.
Spotlight on Safety
If you put safety as number one, everyone will go home the same way they came in. If you’re not safe, you don’t go home.
Life in the Line Trade
Being a lineworker is the best job ever. It’s a tough job but it’s great work, and you get satisfaction at the end of the day and good pay so you can get comfort in life. I advise anyone who is interested in a career in line work to do it.
Succeeding in the Apprenticeship
Technical skills are important, but so is thick skin. Your union brothers will beat you down throughout your apprenticeship.
Future Plans
At 51 years old, I was the oldest apprentice Eversource has ever hired. In five to 10 years, I see myself retired. The future of line work will only get stronger.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to nominate an apprentice for Faces of the Future, please email Field Editor Amy Fischbach at [email protected]. All profiled apprentice lineworkers will receive a tool package from Milwaukee Tool. Also to listen to other stories about apprentices in the line trade, tune in to the Faces of the Future series for T&D World’s Line Life Podcast on Podbean at linelife.podbean.com.
