Electricity is a 24/7 industry, which means a 24/7 need for workers.
In addition to the high-demand nature of the field, the level of retirement-age workers within the industry is at an all-time high, increasing job prospects for those just entering.
The constantly changing field of line work – the installation and maintenance of electric power lines is always looking for skilled individuals to join the industry, according to Arizona Public Service NW Division Manager Mackenzie Rodgers.
“As the utility and electricity industry is changing, technology changes and how our customers see our products changes as well,” said Rodgers. “We always say, ‘It’s not your father’s utility company.’ We aren’t doing business today the way we have in previous years. The industry is changing, and we need people that are willing to change with it.”
To help address those changes and provide a skilled workforce to serve that industry, Yavapai College’s Agribusiness & Science Technology Center in Chino Valley offers a one-year Electric Utility Technology Certificate program.
“With an aging workforce, positions are available throughout the U.S., with great opportunities for growth,” said Tom English, instructor of the program.
The program consists of both in-class and in-field training, teaching students skills such as pole-climbing techniques, pole-top rescue, equipment operation, trailer backing, bucket truck operation, line building skills, underground residential distribution and hot line maintenance.
With such hands-on education, graduating students are able to enter the workforce immediately after receiving their certificate.
“Most start out as a Pre-Apprentice, then Apprentice, then work their way through to Journeyman status and then become Foreman. Many then move on to management positions such as Superintendent and Operations Manager,” said English.
In addition to high demand and room for growth, the industry is also very stimulating.
“There is a certain exhilaration in this field,” said Yavapai College Associate Dean Karla Phillips, who emphasizes the always changing work environment.
Rodgers agrees. “Every day is different. You have an opportunity to be out in the field, out in great weather, and using new tools and technology. You really get out, not sit behind a desk all day, and be involved in the communities.”
Rodgers, and APS at large, believes that Yavapai College is exemplary in its approach to teaching.
“We really, as an industry, have glommed onto what Yavapai College has done and what we’ve helped the college build,” she said.
Not only is line work an exciting and opportunity-filled career path, but the pay and benefits are more than noteworthy.
“It has great pay and excellent benefits. There’s always room to grow and move up to higher positions. At journeyman status, it is quite easy for an individual to make a six-figure salary,” said English.
Phillips underlines that working within the industry is more than just financially rewarding, explaining that line work is not simply about fixing and repairing, but more importantly, is about “becoming a hero and saving lives.”
Hospitals, for example, revolve around the use of electricity and are dependent upon the upkeep and maintenance of the power lines that supply it.
For example, for individuals who are reliant on respirators, electricity is essential. Helping people such as this is part of the reason this career is worthwhile, according to Phillips.
With the aim to eliminate the gender gap in the field, Phillips also emphasizes that women are just as capable as men of pursuing this career. Rodgers agrees, saying, “I think it’s a great field, an awesome opportunity, and women can be incredibly successful in the role. We are absolutely supportive of diversity of gender, ethnicity, thought – all the way across the board. We just want skilled, trained workers.” QCBN
Holly Maller is a Yavapai College intern.
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