Jackson-based Consumers Energy today announced the utility company will add 50 jobs in the state within the next year, with plans to hire 50 more line workers annually over the next few years. The utility is looking to increase its workforce that responds to emergencies, enhances system reliability, and restores service to its electric customers following storms.
Consumers Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million metro Detroit and other state residents and electric service to outstate residents.
“Increasing our electric lines workforce is part of our promise to Michigan to work every day to deliver the energy customers need whenever they need it,” says Cathy Hendrian, vice president of human resources for Consumers Energy. “In addition to new hires, we are expanding shifts to cover 16 hours a day, seven days a week to enhance our ability to restore electric interruptions safely and quickly.”
Hendrian says candidates must have a journeyman line worker card to be considered for the position. In addition to restoring electric service interruptions, the electric line crews at Consumers Energy perform tasks such as upgrading and constructing electric distribution systems, working in all types of weather and during nights and weekends.
Hendrian says applicants for the apprentice program should enjoy working outdoors, staying fit, and working at heights. She says it takes about 9,600 hours of on-the-job training and classroom work to advance to a journeyman line worker from a basic line apprentice.
