Aug. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Cody Kasper worked in a variety of industries after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was working with the Ionia County Road Commission when a friend talked to him about becoming an electrical line worker. After hearing about the work, he was determined to give it a go.
“I tried to get into the program at Lansing Community College and another program in Alpena,” he said. “Space is always very limited. But I kept trying. Then I saw that Grand Rapids Community College was developing a program that was nine months shorter than the others. It was perfect timing!”
Kasper was one of the 12 participants in the pilot program that was offered in May 2021.
“The training was great. It hit all the basics -- OSHA, and electrical industry stuff,” he said. “But it’s the fitness portion. That is what kicks everyone’s butt!”
GRCC, in partnership with the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, began offering a Pre-Lineworker Training program in 2021. The Program includes: OSHA10 certification/safety, Linework Physical Fitness, Basic Electricity, and Energy Industry Fundamentals, followed by climbing clinics, orientation and an 11-week climb school in Marshall, Mich..
“Of the 12 who started the program, only eight went on to do the practice climbs,” he said. “The first time you have to climb up a pole to 40 feet, you find out quickly if you are afraid of heights.”
The process to become a Line worker has many levels of training. GRCC’s program is the first level. Additionally, there are four climbing clinics and a written test.
Kasper is now working for Consumers Energy making more than $40 per hour. As he progresses through the five steps of the apprenticeship program, he will earn even more.
“This training is serious. I felt like being in the Marines really helped me. I had the mentality to stick to it. I’m so glad I did!”
Additional information about the next Pre-Lineworker session is available at grcc.edu/lineworker.
