Building a Career in Line Work: Insights and Experiences from a Duke Energy Apprentice

Starting Out in the Line Trade

Before joining Duke Energy, I owned a tree service in Terre Haute, Indiana. During one job, I spent a lot of time talking with a retired lineman who shared stories from his career. He encouraged me to consider the trade because he felt I’d be a good fit. At the time, I was exploring other career options and knew very little about line work, but after seeing apprentice openings at Duke, I applied and was fortunate to be hired.

For me, coming into the trade a little later in life was a benefit. I had already spent more than 20 years in the workforce, so I understood how to work hard and be accountable. I didn’t need to learn how to work—I just needed to learn how to do line work. That foundation made a big difference for me, and it’s something I think really helps in this trade.

I didn’t attend a lineworker training school, but I work alongside many people who did. No matter how you come to Duke Energy—through a school program or by being hired directly—you quickly realize there’s still a lot to learn, because the company trains everyone the Duke Energy way. It’s important to come into the apprenticeship with an open mind. There are a lot of different ways to do this job, and every lineworker you work with can teach you something new.

Training in Indiana

I’m a fourth-year apprentice, and in Indiana, we get exposure to the full scope of line work. Our primary training facility is in Plainfield, Indiana, where we spend several weeks at a time, multiple times a year. Duke Energy provides a top-tier facility with an excellent training yard and gives us access to the same types of equipment we use in the field.

We train on energized equipment designed to be extremely sensitive, so you can see the impact of your actions without risking injury. In the hot room, we’re able to energize systems, switch banks and immediately recognize mistakes, which makes the experience very realistic. You can perform essentially any task a journeyman lineman would do, but in a controlled environment where safety is the priority. It’s also a low-pressure setting, which gives you the time to work through tasks, ask questions and really understand the work before moving on.

For someone like me, who came into the trade with no prior experience, that hands-on approach made a huge difference. Overall, the training is about a 50/50 split between classroom instruction and job standards, which has prepared me well for the work we do day to day.

Day in the Life

Our shift starts at 7:30 a.m., and we begin the day with a short debrief in the crew room. Our supervisor covers safety topics or company updates, and we review the day's work plan and how each crew will be assigned. After that, we take a few minutes to stretch before heading out. As an apprentice, I meet with my lead to review materials and ensure we’re prepared for the job.

From an on-the-job training standpoint, we’re fortunate in Terre Haute because we get exposure to a wide scope of work. We do everything from overhead to underground, and no two days are ever the same. When it comes to training, every apprentice is expected to show up ready to work and eager to learn. Our senior lineworkers are focused and busy, but they take the time to teach and help us to develop. You must bring the right mindset and be self-motivated, because this is serious work, and there’s a lot riding on doing it the right way.

Learning About New Tools and Technologies

Many companies still rely heavily on hand tools, but Duke Energy has gone above and beyond to ensure we’re equipped with the best tools available. We have a full lineup of battery-powered equipment like hydraulic presses, cutters and other specialty tools, which makes a huge difference in the field. That technology not only speeds up the work, but it also takes a lot of wear and tear off our bodies, joints, and hands in the long run.

We still climb when the job calls for it, but we also have access to backyard track machines and other specialized access equipment. There are very few poles in our district that can’t be reached with some type of machine. Whether it’s backyard diggers, buckets, or tracked equipment designed for tight or hard-to-reach areas, we usually have the right tool for the job. The equipment that’s been developed for lineworkers has truly changed the industry. Having these tools available reduces physical strain, improves efficiency, and helps shorten overall job time without sacrificing safety or quality. It allows us to focus on doing the work correctly and getting power restored safely, instead of fighting the job with outdated tools.

Embracing Changes in the Line Trade

In my four years in the trade, the industry has changed significantly. New technology is introduced every year, from automated systems to fully computerized processes and hydraulic equipment that’s now largely SCADA-controlled. Today’s lineworkers have to understand traditional line work while also being comfortable with technology and constantly learning new systems. That shift is actually a strength, though. If you take the time to learn the technology thoroughly and understand how it all works together, you can make yourself very valuable — even as an apprentice — in today’s line trade.

A first-year lineworker today can do more than ever because of how far the industry has evolved electronically. Lineworkers from decades ago were highly skilled as well, but it was just a different time. Now, you still have to be strong mechanically, but you also need solid computer skills and the ability to adapt quickly as equipment and systems continue to change. For example, if I’m relying on someone in a different physical location to confirm my line is de-energized, that coordination becomes critical — especially when circuits can be fed from multiple directions. You really have to stay sharp and focused at all times. Overall, I think line work today is much more mentally demanding than it was in the past.

Practicing Safe Work Skills

At Duke Energy, safety is number one. Nothing takes precedence over it. I’ve never been rushed on a job. We’re reminded every day to slow down, follow the process, and work safely. If you follow the rules, this job can be done very safely, and the company ensures you have the time and support to do it the right way.

Line work is also a job where you rely heavily on the people around you. That’s why lineworkers can be tough on apprentices. It’s not personal, and it’s not a game. This is serious work. At the end of the day, they’re putting their lives in your hands, and they want to know you’re ready for that responsibility. That level of accountability is what keeps everyone safe and is a big part of what makes this trade what it is.

Working Storms

I recently worked Winter Storm Fern in Asheville, North Carolina. This ice storm caused significant damage across the area. Heavy ice put tremendous pressure on tree limbs, transformers were down, and poles were broken as trees came down on lines. It was an intense but incredible experience to be part of that response.

Duke Energy took exceptional care of us throughout the restoration effort. It’s impressive to see how the company can mobilize nearly 14,000 workers into a community and keep the entire operation running smoothly. Everything — from lodging and meals to leadership checking in on us — was top-notch. They truly go above and beyond to take care of their employees. That experience reinforced for me that I work for a company that values its people and doesn’t treat anyone like a number. Coordinating that many crews in a small community requires incredible planning and teamwork.

We started with about 40,000 customers without power and watched that number drop to 3,000 within hours. From the outside, you might wonder how that’s possible, but seeing it happen from the inside really shows how efficiently and safely the company brings teams together to get the lights back on. Having reliable equipment and well-maintained trucks also plays a huge role in getting the job done safely and effectively. I hope to work many more storms throughout my career. That’s what lineworkers want to do. At the end of the day, most of us just want to help people when they need it most.

Life on the Line

The best part of this job is the people I work with and knowing I’m a real part of the community where I grew up. This isn’t just a place I work — it’s home. Everything I do out there is for the people who live here, and that gives the work real meaning. I don’t go home at night until the lights are back on, because I know what it means to those families when everything comes back on. That sense of responsibility and pride is hard to describe, but it’s something you feel every day in this job.

I also love that no two days are ever the same. I’m not going to the same place day after day, and no two jobs are identical. You can respond to two separate car-into-pole calls, and they’ll still be completely different. The work is always changing, always challenging you, and you never get stuck in a rut. For me, that’s what makes this such a great career.

You definitely have to earn your place in the brotherhood. But once you put in the work alongside the person to your right and the person to your left, you understand why they call it that. Lineworkers rely on each other with their lives every single day. That trust doesn’t come easy — but once you earn it, it becomes something much bigger than a job. It’s a lifestyle, and it’s something I’m proud to be part of.

Advice for Other Apprentices

Show up ready to work and ready to learn from day one. I always say a good apprentice should listen twice as much as he talks. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. There are a hundred different ways to do this job, and you need to learn as many of them as you can so you can eventually develop your own way of working.

That openness is one of my biggest strengths. I’m willing to jump in and learn, even if I’ve done something the same way a thousand times. If I’m working with a different lineworker on a different day, I want to see how he does the job, because one day, that knowledge might matter. In line work, there are no dumb questions, and the more you’re willing to learn, the better lineworker you’ll become.

 This isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle and a career. It takes a certain mindset to succeed in this trade, and for a lot of people, it’s a big eye-opening experience when they first step into it. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay humble, and keep learning, this career will give back to you in ways most jobs never could.

If you’re serious about a career that’s both demanding and rewarding, I’d strongly encourage aspiring apprentices to consider the line trade. It’s unlike any job you’ve ever done. If you’re fortunate enough to get the opportunity, show up ready to work, bring energy, ask questions, and put yourself out there. They want people who take initiative — someone they don’t have to constantly tell what to do — and who knows how to listen. 

Continuing His Education

I’d like to continue doing linework for the next nine-10 years. I owe that to myself and to my company, because Duke Energy has invested a lot of time and effort into developing me. At some point, I’d like to step into a leadership role. At 41 years old, I still want to stay connected to the line side while continuing to grow and learn.

Continuing education is important to me, including returning to Indiana Wesleyan to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. There’s also an incredible amount of knowledge available to us internally through our internal company portal, standards and work methods. My boss always says that in this line of work, knowledge is power, and I believe that. If you’re willing to take the time to read, learn, and invest in yourself, Duke Energy gives you all the resources you need to reach your goals.

Looking to the Future

I see myself in this trade for the long haul. I don’t see line work ever being replaced. There will always be a need for lineworkers, but the job is constantly evolving, and adaptability is critical. You’ll always be hands-on at the pole, but the way we do the work continues to change as tools and technology advance. We still have our hands up there building and maintaining the system, but more and more of it is electronically controlled, sometimes from locations far removed from the work itself. That’s only going to continue.

Lineworkers today must understand both the physical side of the job and the technology behind it and be able to adjust as systems become more automated and complex. I’ve seen a huge improvement in system reliability due to electronics such as advanced controls and electronic reclosers. Reliability is better now than at any point in our history. At the same time, that reliability brings new challenges and new hazards. That’s why today’s lineworkers have to stay sharp, keep learning, and be willing to adapt. The trade isn’t going away, but the lineworkers who succeed will be the ones who evolve with it.

I’m grateful that Duke Energy saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to come on as an apprentice. It’s a great company to work for, and I’m proud to be here alongside some of the best people in the industry. I would recommend it to anyone who’s seriously considering this as a career. I don’t know many other jobs where you can truly enjoy what you do, take pride in your work, and still provide for your family. This career has been a blessing for us, and I’m thankful every day for the opportunity.

Editor’s Note: If you know of an apprentice who we should feature in our Faces of the Future Department, please email Amy Fischbach at [email protected]. Each apprentice we profile in this department will receive a tool package from Milwaukee Tool in recognition of their dedication to the line trade.