The ElectriCities Safety and Training team brings several careers’ worth of experience and expertise to help lineworkers, meter technicians, and substation technicians throughout ElectriCities member communities gain the skills and expertise needed to work safely and advance their careers.
We’d like you to meet each of our instructors.
So far, we’ve introduced you to Senior Safety & Training Specialist Mark Todd and to Craig Batchelor, ElectriCities’ Manager of Safety & Training.
Next up is Senior Safety & Training Specialist Jeff Freeman.
Jeff is from the northwest part of Gaston County, in the Bessemer City and Cherryville areas. He and his wife have three kids. Their two girls are 24 and 26, their son is 12, and they have a 15-month-old granddaughter. A huge fan of the outdoors, Jeff loves working outside, hunting, fishing, and seeing the world.
He’s been a lineworker for 29 years. This May, he’ll celebrate four years as an instructor at ElectriCities.
How did you get into linework?
I was raised working on a farm. When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My friend’s dad said I would make a good hand on an electric underground residential crew for Pike Electric and gave me a job. I had no idea about electricity or how it worked.
What do you like best about teaching?
When I see a student pick up on something they didn’t know or understand. This makes me feel like I’m helping them succeed and making them better.
Do you have a favorite class or school to teach?
Basic classes are usually my favorite. These guys are usually new to the industry and are eager to learn. They are sponges soaking up everything you give them.
What’s the most important thing you want students to take away from class?
That they work in a hazardous industry and, by the choices they make by following all safety rules and procedures, they will be safe.
Jeff will be teaching Substation Operations School, April 22-26, in High Point, North Carolina. He’s also slated to teach Climbing School, Aug. 5-9, and Intermediate Lineworker School, Sept. 23-27, both in Maiden, North Carolina.
View the full training schedule here. If you have questions about classes or registration, contact Susanne Taylor, Member Training and Engagement Specialist at ElectriCities.