Since its inception, linework has been a man’s industry characterized by storms, dirt, danger, and countless days away from home. It’s not for the faint of heart.
But, over the past few decades, we’ve seen a shift of more and more women wanting to enter the trade and prove themselves worthy. Breaking down barriers, these brave women have chosen to be lineman.
The opportunities are endless in the industry as companies prioritize diversity in the workforce. At SLTC, we are proud to support women in their journey to linework. They are not treated any differently here and repeatedly prove themselves in our programs, as well as in the industry.
of Electrical Utility Lineworkers are Female
Average pay as of August 2023 for both male and female Electrical Lineworkers
Olivia is a graduate of the Communications Lineworker Program (CLP) Class 34 and a US Army veteran. Olivia pushes herself and puts her mind to what she wants to do then makes it happen, no matter the challenge. She took the steps to find a stable career and chose to challenge the status quo in, not one, but two industries. We are proud to have her as part of the SLTC family.
Tara Buckley is no stranger to adversity. After an accident that caused damage to her brain and left her without a job, she was left looking for a new adventure. After going through rehabilitation in Illinois, she found a career in commercial driving that eventually led her to an interest in linework. She knew being a woman in linework meant having to work harder and smarter than the guys in her pole circle, but that did not stop her fire. Her attitude and dedication are what keep her moving forward!
Brandi Persch is a Journeyman Lineman with American Electric Power (AEP) in Ohio. On her journey toward becoming a lineman, she fought hard to break the status quo of women in linework and she continues to do that today. Along with her role as a lineman, she works with the CEO of AEP Ohio to discover ways to bring more women into the electrical utility and communications industries. Brandy's two sons have followed in her footsteps and are graduates of SLTC.
Marie Tarlecky is a Journeyman Lineman with American Electric Power and a graduate from Class 37 of our Electrical Lineworker Program. During her time at Southeast Lineman Training Center, she had the determination and grit to overcome her fears, learning what it truly takes to become a lineman. Even now, she still feels that there is still a battle to fight in proving wrong those who think she cannot do it.
Nikki Haire graduated from SLTC as part of Class 46 in 2015 from our Electrical Lineworker Program. She has always loved working outside and has a passion for math, so by combining her two interests she discovered linework and has been hooked ever since. Her training at Southeast Lineman Training Center was not easy but she found that encouragement from her pole circle instructor and her drive within would get her where she wanted to be.
Must be at least 18 years of age by the beginning date of enrollment.
Must provide a high school diploma or GED.
Must possess a valid driver’s license from the state in which you reside.
Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and have the physician sign SLTC’s Doctor’s Release Form.
