Lineworkers, or linemen, are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical lines and equipment. During a storm, they leave the comforts of their homes and families, often traveling to adjacent towns or states to respond to damaged power lines and braving dangerous conditions to restore electricity to communities. Lineworkers should be recognized and appreciated for their dedication and hard work in restoring power, as they’re true heroes during such events.
While the job requires physical and mental strength, there are no specific gender requirements for lineworker positions. However, the industry has traditionally been a male-dominated field, leading to a perception that it’s not suitable for women. Linework requires significant physical strength and endurance, which deter some men and many women from pursuing their careers. But mostly, few women are aware of the career path as a conceivable option due to the prevalent gender stereotypes.
There are around 1,800 lineworkers in Mississippi, and 99% of them are currently men. But women like Donna Eubanks, the first female lineman at Entergy Brookhaven, Ashley Morris, the first female lineman at Mon Power, and Gracie Gustafson, Holmes’ first female electric lineman, are trying to change that.
Gracie Gustafson, born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, has always enjoyed physical activity. Gustafson started playing soccer when she was 3 years old, a sport that became her passion and ticket to college. After graduating from Grenada High School, Gustafson headed to Itawamba Community College to play soccer, then to Jones College, and finally, taking the field for the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Gustafson was also a high achiever academically, scoring 29 on her ACT, and began college with a major in aerospace engineering.
One day in her calculus class, Gustafson had a breakthrough: “I don’t like working on computers; I’d rather work with my hands.” From that day, Gustafson forged a different career path.
“The classroom was never my favorite place,” shared Gustafson. “I wanted a career that wouldn’t have me tied to a computer screen, where I can work with my hands.”
Gustafson did her research by looking up the highest-paying jobs that didn’t require a college degree. Electrical linemen and wielders were at the top of the list.
“Welding requires steady precision with your hands for long periods,” explained Gustafson. “I don’t have that skill, so I realized it probably wasn’t a good fit for me. I am deathly terrified of heights, but I figured the best way to get over it would be to get up there and give it a try.”
Next, Gustafson searched for trade programs in Mississippi for linework and landed at the Holmes Community College Goodman Campus.
“I researched various programs, and Holmes undoubtedly had the nicest equipment and facilities and was also the most organized,” Gustafson said. “It was my number one choice.”
Holmes’ program lasts 16 weeks and offers students fundamental hands-on training. While enrolled, they earned a Class A commercial driver’s license, knowledge of the Electric Safety Code, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and rules about the various types of utility providers they could find employment with. Students also learn how to operate heavy machinery used in line work, CPR training, first aid, and pole-climbing skills. Holmes’ electrical lineman program only accepts 14-16 students per semester.
When asked about the job’s physical demands, Gustafson wasn’t bothered.
“The guys might be faster and stronger, but I can do it,” Gustafson said. “Honestly, it’s hard for all of us, but we’re well-trained. For other girls interested in this line of work, go for it if it’s what you want to do! You may not be as strong as the guys, but you can be as smart and do this. I like being different and inspiring to those who think women can’t do it because it’s a male-dominated field.”
*Photos courtesy of Gracie Gustafson
