Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, groundman, utility supervisor, contractor, or someone preparing for a career in linework, this episode is packed with practical advice from professionals who have spent years working on transmission and distribution systems across the country.
The conversation explores how strong leadership creates safer jobsites, why investing in people matters more than ever, and how experienced linemen can help develop the next generation of the workforce. The guests also share lessons they've learned from the field, discuss the importance of accountability, communication, and trust, and explain why a crew's culture can directly impact both safety and productivity.
A major part of this discussion focuses on Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (pronounced "Junction") program, including why he believes transparency and data security can help create a win-win for lineworkers and the utilities.
In this episode:
Building a strong line crew culture
Leadership lessons from experienced linemen
Developing apprentices and groundmen
Safety, accountability, and communication
Why mentorship matters in linework
The future of the electric utility workforce
Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (Junction) program
Advice for current and future utility professionals
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - Meet the Crew
2:06 - Choosing Jobs and Crew Trust
4:34 - How They Got Into Linework
8:54 - Apprenticeship and Traveling
10:19 - First Day on the Job
14:47 - Mentors and Trade Culture
17:02 - Substance Abuse on the Road
19:13 - What Good Leadership Looks Like
24:05 - College vs Trade Respect
28:31 - Safety and Field Reality
33:33 - Best Parts of Linework
38:42 - Fixing Hiring Paperwork
41:09 - Worst Part Away From Home
44:42 - Apprentices and Work Life
46:34 - Company Versus Crew
54:23 - Union Solidarity Example
57:56 - Training Gaps and Crane Risk
1:02:50 - Stop Work Authority Reality
1:05:42 - Three-Man Crew Flaws
1:08:25 - Responsibility And Spine
1:12:06 - Burned On Storm Calls
1:16:29 - Storm Work Hurts Training
1:19:57 - JNCTN Fix For Storm
1:27:39 - Paperwork And Privacy Wins
1:34:06 - Transparency Pushback
1:41:15 - How To Find JNCTN
If you're passionate about linework, electric utilities, power restoration, transmission, distribution, utility leadership, apprentice linemen, or the future of the power grid, this episode delivers valuable insight from professionals who live it every day.
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