My name is Clint Thomas. I've been an apprentice for about two and a half years and I work out of Local 2. 

What made you want to become a lineman? 

When I was transitioning out of the military, I knew that I wanted to do something with my hands, be able to work outside, experience some more travel.
I had talked to friends of mine that were joining the linemen and it seemed like the line trade accomplished all of that and provided the same brotherhood and camaraderie that I experienced in the military. 

How did you find out about our apprenticeship? 

I spoke to journeyman lineman friends of mine that explained the apprenticeship process and I attended a veterans line school program that also explained all that for me and helped me apply. 

Our apprenticeship demands a lot out of individuals. Do you think it's worthwhile? 

The apprenticeship does demand a lot out of you but it's very important because of the demands you'll have when you're a journeyman lineman and I think that what it demands of you through the apprenticeship helps develop your skill and abilities the way you need to be a good lineman. 

How has being an IBEW member impacted your life? 

So being an IBEW member has impacted my life in a huge way. I've been given the brotherhood that I wanted when I got out of the military.
I experienced a lot of camaraderie with my fellow apprentices and linemen. I've been able to make a wage that I didn't know was really possible at this point in my life and at the age that I'm at I always considered retirement and looking at all of the possible trades possible skills that I could learn. The IBEW provides without a doubt in my opinion the best retirement that you'll find out there.

What advice would you give to someone who is coming into this trade? 

For someone coming into this trade I would say it's really important to be ready to learn, be ready to work hard, be ready to travel but keep focused on the big picture so you don't lose sight of it. It'll all be worth it in the long run.