ICYMI: Pathways to Power: Pre-Apprentice Training Programs Light the Way for Future Lineworkers

The line trade gives apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn and train for a lifelong career powering their communities. Before they even join an apprenticeship program, however, some high school graduates are learning the basics of line work through a pre-apprenticeship. For example, our latest ICYMI episode of the Line Life Podcast highlights the one-year Electric Utility Technology Program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Iowa. This article, "Training for a Future Career on the Line," which originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of T&D World magazine, spotlights two former students: Trevor Grefe and Kellen Miller. Grefe became interested in the line trade because he wanted to work with his hands, found the concept of electricity fascinating and wanted to help people. Miller learned about opportunities in line work as an intern at an architectural firm after seeing a photo of a lineworker hanging out of a helicopter, working on a transmission line.  For more information, visit DMACC's training program website or read the article on T&D World's website.