Career Climbers: Austin Energy Celebrates Climbing School Graduates
May 3, 2024
After weeks of rigorous training, 10 lineworkers are ready to join Austin Energy field crews in keeping the power flowing to the Austin area. Climbing School graduation is the culmination of a three-week training for Austin Energy’s new Distribution Electrician Helpers and marks the official start of a four-year apprenticeship.
Family, field crews and other Austin Energy staff celebrated the graduation with a certification ceremony at the Decker Creek Power Station, highlighted by graduates each climbing a 70-foot “confidence pole.”
“These talented lineworkers continue the tradition of professionalism and selfless service exemplified by Austin Energy’s first responders,” said Elton Richards, vice president of electric service field operations. “These gentlemen answer the call at all hours of the day and night to keep power flowing to our community. I am proud to celebrate them and their families and look forward to their continued education with our field crews.”
Access pictures of 2024 Climbing School here.
To learn more about the lineworker program, contact careers@austinenergy.com.
About the Austin Energy Climbing School
Apprentice lineworkers undergo a three-week training process designed to introduce the fundamental aspects of line work. The training is a combination of formal classroom work and field instruction that focuses on three areas:
- Week 1: Correct pole-climbing technique and learning how to climb power poles safely.
- Week 2: Correct construction techniques and learning Austin Energy Distribution Construction Standards.
- Week 3: Bucket truck rescue, manhole and pole-top rescue training.
After passing climbing school, the apprentices will be assigned to a crew and continue learning in the field for about four years before becoming Journey-level lineworkers.
About Austin Energy
Customer Driven. Community Focused.
Austin Energy, the City of Austin’s electric utility, serves more than 550,000 customer accounts and more than one million residents in Greater Austin. The utility’s mission — to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — has guided Austin Energy in powering the community and supporting the region’s growth since 1895. For more information about Austin Energy, visit austinenergy.com.