Apprentice line Ben Larson joined Lakeview Light & Power in June.
The outdoorsy, upbeat Larsen knows he’s in the right profession, saying: “I’m in this for the long haul.” Utility work offers Larsen a mental and physical challenge; the camaraderie of fellow field workers; and the opportunity to be outdoors, he said.
It’s also a great way to provide for his family. “You really have to be committed to the trade,” he said. “We go to school for three years, then undertake a four-year apprenticeship before testing to become a journeyman.”
Larsen grew up in Graham, WA where he worked alongside his father in a tree removal service.
He still makes his home in Graham where he lives with his wife and two young children.
The job of a lineman is one of installing, repairing, and maintaining high-voltage overhead and underground electrical power lines and auxiliary equipment.
Larsen routes or re-routes power lines over, under, or around existing lines and structures, and regularly works in close proximity to energized lines. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Larsen said.