Lineworkers are the public face of electric utilities as they scale poles and work on storm restoration during dangerous conditions.

Behind the scenes though, they often mentor the next generation of lineworkers, sharing their expertise on safe work practices and coaching them to be the best they can be—amid a national shortage of experienced lineworkers.

As we celebrate lineworkers this month, NRECA asked for member co-ops to share stories of those nurturing the next generation. As the photo gallery above shows, they inspire peers by squeezing in extra trainings, sharing their knowledge, especially with newer crews, and acting as role models to bolster a culture of safety in the workplace.

And, of course, our gallery also shows how lineworkers embody the seventh cooperative principle of concern for community.

NRECA salutes those men and women going the extra mile to keep the lights in homes across the country and at the same time transferring their knowledge and passion about the trade to tomorrow's lineworkers.

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