WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH PRIOR TO TRADE SCHOOL?
Before I went to the Lineman Institute, I was a three-phase electrician making a comfortable $50,000 a year. Through those projects, I met a few linemen who are now my close friends, and they introduced me to the industry. I thought I’d give it a chance since I enjoyed the work I was doing, I figured attending trade school could only push me further and I was looking to make a jump in my career. I’ve always had an interest in electrical wiring and such. I heard lots of good things about the institute and knew it was worth the investment.
HOW DID MIA SHARE HELP IN THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS?
Mia Share helped out quite a bit actually. If it wasn't for you guys, I honestly wouldn't have had the chance to apply to school. I wanted to maintain my independence and work for everything I accomplish. I wasn’t looking to ask my parents to pay even a dime towards lineman school. When I called to ask questions regarding enrollment and requirements, they introduced me to Mia Share. I saved up what I could and paid the deposit for the course. You guys helped me out with the rest because with an ISA I was able to pay for it all once I graduated. If it weren’t for you guys, I don’t think I’d have the career I have.
HOW HAS YOUR CAREER PROGRESSED SINCE TRADE SCHOOL?
I am currently working at Green Mountain Power in Vermont making roughly $85k a year. This company offers all the major services included in an electric company. They don’t specialize in one area like most other businesses. We just had a big storm a couple weeks ago where there we at least 50,000 people out of power. We were working 24/7, putting in over 125 hours straight that week. It’s not a rewarding job because people are usually upset they lost power, but it is rewarding to see people getting back to their daily life because of a service I was able to provide. By the end of my career, when I retire, I'm going to be a pretty well-rounded lineman compared to some others in the trade that didn’t have the opportunity to work in a company like mine.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE TRADE?
I think it'd probably be the brotherhoodhood forged by the trade. Being a lineman is one of the most dangerous trade industries you can be involved in. You develop a certain trust and bond with your partners because you’re entrusting them with your life. To complete a job correctly, you have to know that the guy on the other end is watching all the time and doing his part correctly. Their life is in your hands and vice versa. The people in the trade have a saying that goes, “Safety is made through blood”. This is because so many of the safety features we have in place today, came at the expense of a life. This work isn’t for everyone, so you know those that are out there are taking this work very seriously.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE CONSIDERING TRADE SCHOOL?
Trades is a very good way to go in your career. Some teachers in school will tell you that you’re wasting your time by not attending college and pursuing that traditional degree. It’s true, not everybody is meant to pursue trade certification, but it is definitely a valid option. You can build a great career and, often times, can be very rewarding. Don’t let the expectations of others stop you from being successful, your way.