The Sky’s the Limit

Apprentice Scott Chandler practices an emergency safety rescue procedure during a September training session at the Marion service center.

October 21, 2022

Ohio employees in FirstEnergy Utilities’ newly implemented line worker apprentice program are off to a strong start – and ready to get their careers off the ground.

This FE Forward initiative announced last spring is helping the company address labor shortages in rural areas where our utilities have had difficulty attracting talent or have experienced higher-than-average attrition rates.

“We wanted to augment our Power Systems Institute training program and get enthusiastic, local hires in these areas where we need the most help,” said Abe Amawi, director, New Jersey Operations, who is helping to coordinate the apprentice program. “Seventeen apprentices from Marion, Springfield and Sandusky have been hired at the line worker C level through our first Ohio pilot.”

After an initial eight-week course in hands-on skills training at the Marion service center, the apprentices have progressed at a rapid pace and recently made the transition to field work – where they’ll continue learning and honing their craft in real-life situations under the close supervision of experienced line workers and trainers.

“Initial skills covered at Marion included the basics of pole climbing, groundwork, material identification, knot-tying and safety procedures,” said Dallas Trumbull, an Ohio Edison line worker A, who is currently working as a trainer for the apprentice program.

The Ohio line apprentice pilot program represents a close partnership and effective collaboration between FirstEnergy and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1194, boosting crews in rural areas with new hires who are interested in lifelong careers in the communities where they live and work. Dallas said he felt called to the program’s mission and compelled to help his Sandusky line shop and IBEW 1194 acquire new talent committed to the profession.

Grateful & Growing

As hometown hires serving their communities of residence, most apprentices came to the program with work experience already under their belts. Many have backgrounds in farming, industry or military work and learned about the opportunity from family members or friends who work at FirstEnergy.

“Being paid while receiving training and not having to look around for other income during my apprenticeship is a blessing,” said Springfield’s Klay Powers, line worker C.

Apprentice Scott Chandler, who previously worked in the railway industry, was attracted to the program by the potential to earn a good living for his family, FirstEnergy’s strong safety culture and the overall sense of pride associated with being a line worker. These reasons led him to take a chance on a new career path with great growth potential.

“FEU’s apprenticeships are structured for successful candidates to complete two full years of work before advancing to the line worker B level – providing exciting opportunities for future advancement,” said Tom Smith, a director in Ohio Operations, who is helping to establish the program.

With the Ohio program on track for success, a second pilot is planned for Pennsylvania Operations next year.

“We will be partnering with Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 102 on the Pennsylvania pilot – with recruiting efforts scheduled to start in January,” Abe said.