What does it actually take to become a good powerline apprentice in 2026, and why are so many young apprentices feeling behind before they’ve even really started?
Ryan sits down with Shayla Gaffney, a final-year powerline apprentice and content creator, sharing a more honest look at what apprenticeship actually feels like for the next generation entering the trade. From line school and storm work to learning under pressure and finding the right crew, Shayla speaks openly about the reality of becoming good at something that takes years to master.
They dig into why apprentices can’t rush the process, the pressure of constantly feeling behind, the importance of crew culture and mentorship, and how the right foreman can completely change an apprentice’s confidence and future in the trade. Shayla also shares lessons from storm work, learning by watching experienced linemen, and why good apprentices focus less on chasing the title and more on earning trust over time.
Topics covered:
- Why so many apprentices feel behind in today’s trade culture
- The reality of learning under pressure on a crew
- Why becoming good at line work takes years, not months
- The difference the right crew and foreman can make
- Learning by watching experienced linemen work
- Why rushing the process hurts more than it helps
- The mental side of apprenticeship nobody talks about
- Storm work, confidence, embarrassment, and growth
- Crew culture, mentorship, and earning trust over time
- What young apprentices actually need to hear entering the trade
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⚡️GUEST: SHAYLA GAFFNEY⚡️
Instagram: @shaygaff.co
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🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️
Instagram: @ryanwlucas
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LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas
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Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
