AmerenUE asks, 'So you want to be a lineman?'				January 7, 2009
Richard Mark, senior vice president, Energy Delivery, AmerenUE, answers a prospective pre-apprentice lineman’s question in a lineman orientation course at St. Louis Community College’s Florissant Valley campus. The 22 candidates were given basic classroom and hands-on exposure to electric line work. Upon completion of the orientation, they were evaluated to determine whether they had the necessary skills to be considered for the UE lineman apprenticeship program. The course gives prospective apprentices basic classroom and hands-on exposure to electric linework. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are automatically considered for UE’s lineman apprenticeship program.
“We need to fill retiring lineworkers’ jobs, and we want to make sure candidates understand what it takes to keep the lights on and are qualified to begin their apprenticeship,” Mark says. “We also believe it’s in everyone’s interest for AmerenUE to reach into its communities to develop a diverse workforce that mirrors the customers it serves.”
Betsy Finnegan, workforce programs lead, HR Talent Acquisition, provides details to prospective pre-apprentice linemen to apply for the apprentice evaluation process at UE.