In the skilled trade of power lines, workers build, maintain, and repair the electrical lines that keep homes, businesses, and communities connected to power. A typical workday can include climbing poles to install wires, or work on transformers. This skill is important as it ensures electricity flows safely and reliably to homes across the Commonwealth.
The power line industry in Virginia is in high demand as much of its workforce is approaching retirement. If you like to work with your hands and enjoy heights, a career as a power line worker may be for you.
Hear from these power line students across the state about their experience:
Be the Best
Destiny Brandon (Mountain Empire Community College) fell in love with power line work after watching her grandfather work in the industry over the years. She finds the work is hard, rewarding, instantly gratifying, physical, demanding, and more. “I want to be the best at it,” Destiny said.
For women who want to enter the power line field, Destiny encourages them to not let others stop you.
Help and Provide
Power line work goes beyond handling local power and removing branches. Many power linemen are deployed to storm areas. Wyatt Bowman (Wytheville Community College) was drawn to career in power lines to help others in his community and the region.
“What excites me the most about being able to become a power line worker is being able to go on storm duty and be able to help people in need and provide support,” says Wyatt.
Don’t Spend a Dime
Power line is a skilled trade that is taught at many Virginia community colleges, and often at little to no cost to students, thanks to funding provided by FastForward. Morgan Culbertson (Mountain Empire Community College) was able to receive his education and training for no cost. Because of FastForward, he was able to immediately enter the workforce after the program and start saving money to achieve his dreams.
“Thanks to FastForward, I haven’t had to spend a dime on it. It’s helped me out tremendously,” says Morgan.
To learn more about the power line program and FastForward, speak to a career coach about opportunities near you.