POWERGRAMS

Alabama Power is LEAPing at every chance to tell high school students how great it is to be a lineman or engineer. That's what a lineman and engineer were doing at a recent college and career fair at Birmingham's Woodlawn High. Lineman Ladarrius Clay and Power Delivery Engineer Aureale Vann are members of LEAP (Linemen, Engineers and Apprentice Program), an organization of Alabama Power and Southern Company employees who share with students the available career opportunities in technical and skilled trades, and how to prepare for those jobs. The two entertained questions and gave out "cool gifts," Clay said. "Most were curious about the different engineering and trade intern and co-op opportunities," Clay said. "They also wanted information about salaries and experience needed for field workers, especially line crew workers." Even Vann conceded that line work won the day among the 152 seniors in attendance. "Most wanted to know what a lineman at Alabama Power does and how much money they make," she said. But there were off-the-wall questions, too. "The oddest question I remember being asked was what was the orange stuff we put all over the poles, and why do I work alone, if I work on electricity, like, 'Isn't that too dangerous to work alone?'" Clay said. Dorothy Gibson, a finance and work-based learning instructor at Woodlawn, said LEAP volunteers make a difference. "Having an Alabama Power engineer and lineman was beneficial to showcase both avenues of employment opportunities," Gibson said. "They were able to discuss how to become an engineer and how to train for becoming a lineman, including education requirements for both." Gibson said students were "impressed with the many different career titles available." "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with schools like Woodlawn to educate students on careers in engineering and skilled trades," said Brandi Vines, a LEAP adviser who is an engineer in Power Delivery's Connectivity and Innovation group. "It allows these students time to ask questions and gain some knowledge of what it means to be a lineman or an engineer. This exposure is the first step toward a career in a skilled trade or engineering." The exposure certainly made an impression on Gibson. "We look forward to having Alabama Power come out again and possibly partner with internships or apprenticeships in the future," Gibson said. Vann said she joined LEAP to talk to students like the Woodlawn seniors because she didn't have the same opportunity in high school. "Growing up, I didn't meet many engineers," she said. "I wanted students to know anything is possible with a little hard work." "I enjoyed the fact they were so interested, and admired how linemen climbed poles and towers," Clay said. "Some say we are fearless." Learn more about LEAP at readytoleap.org. By Gilbert Nicholson LEAP CONTINUES HELPING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EDUCATION Lineman demonstrates safe use of bucket truck. High school students work with safety gloves. 13

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