They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Steven Pratt found his love for electrical work as early as twelve years old, carrying on a legacy started by his father and grandfather – but the best part is still helping people in need in his community after natural disasters. Hear Steven’s advice for getting started as a lineman.
First & Last Name: Steven Pratt
Location: Southwest Missouri
Style of Boot
I am a big fan of the American Heritage 8” boots. I am in those boots almost every day.
What I do
I help maintain and install the electric distribution system – from the substation to the customer’s meter. I also handle after hours trouble in my area where someone has lost power for a variety of reasons.
Inspirations
I would have to say my biggest inspiration is my family. My wife and my son are my two biggest driving factors. Finding a job that provides for them is what is most important to me. Beyond the two of them I would have to say it’s pride in what I do. I came from a family of electrical workers with my dad being a master electrician and my grandpa, a journeyman lineman in Valdez, Alaska. I honestly have a passion for working in the electrical industry. That passion started when I was 12 as I would spend my summers wiring houses with my dad. To this day I still work with him and have spent my weekends for the last year helping him build a house.
Purpose
I believe the biggest purpose for doing what I do would be the customers. Being able to come in and help restore their power after an outage really makes it obvious why we do what we do. The feeling of helping people during natural disasters is honestly unmatched.
Why Thorogood
The biggest reason that I choose to wear Thorogood’s is the quality and them being American made. They are also extremely comfortable and don’t kill my feet when working long hours. I have tried a ton of different brands and Thorogood’s are the only boot that has lasted my everyday abuse. Before I started wearing Thorogood’s, a pair of boots may last me 8 months.
How Did I Get Started
Honestly, my original plan was not to go into the trades. I went to college for criminal justice and after getting my degree, I realized that wasn’t for me. I started looking into trade school and realized that line-work was something that I would enjoy. After trade school, I got a job at a utility in the engineering department until a spot in the apprenticeship opened up. Once I got into the apprenticeship, I realized how much I truly love what I do.
Struggles
The apprenticeship that I went through was tough and I didn’t realize how much I would appreciate it until I completed it. Realistically, it taught me how important it is to teach the next generation our trade and how to safely do what we do. Beyond that, I would say the typical struggles of missing holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries from being on call or working storms.
Advice
I believe the first bit of advice I could give would be to get a CDL and sign the books at the local IBEW hall. Some places will want you to go through a trade school, but if you can get paid to learn a trade instead of paying, it’s always better. I would also add to not listen to one person’s opinion on if you can make it or not. If you want it bad enough, you will earn it, but that all depends on you.