High school senior Luke Kindel knew at a young age that he wanted to become a lineworker like his grandfather - and he’s on his way to doing just that. To fulfill requirements for his senior project at Nathan Hale Ray High School in East Haddam, Luke needed to do some research to learn more about what it takes to become a lineworker, so he reached out to Eversource.  Soon after that Luke was out in the field, side-by-side with a line crew.  

“I was really interested in bucket trucks,” Kindel said. “I saw lineworkers going out to restore power, and I thought it was a cool job. I’m so grateful to Eversource for the chance to learn more about a career I hope to have one day.”  

Luke’s recent day in the field started at Eversource’s East Hampton Work Center with basic safety training before heading out with the line crew. He rode in the bucket truck and observed system upgrade work at a project site in Portland. Wearing the required personal protective gear, Luke was right alongside a few of Eversource’s experienced line workers – getting a glimpse into daily life for these essential crews.  

“When the lights are out, we are who our customers look to, and there is a lot of pride in that,” said Steven Blair, Eversource Manager of Electric Operations. “I remember when I saw a CL&P line crew doing work on my street when I was a kid during a snowstorm in 1996. I got a glimpse of what it took to become part of this team, and it ignited a fire in me way back then. Now I get to pay it forward.”  

Luke said his day with the line crew was fascinating and enlightening. After his high school graduation, he’ll be exploring Eversource’s Lineworker Certification Program in partnership with Capital Community College. The 11-week program provides students with the fundamental skills required to effectively install and maintain the electric distribution system, including the safe and effective use of common tools and equipment. 

To learn more about the program click here. 

(From left: Bryan Tarbell, Eversource Senior Supervisor of Electric Operations; Luke Kindel; Wayne Harrington, Eversource Chief Top Line Mechanic; Steven Blair, Eversource Manager of Electric Operations)