Iola’s Carter Melum, who was one of the recipients of the CWEC Utility Worker Scholarship in 2024, took part in a job shadow at Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (CWEC) on Feb. 19.

With the goal of continuing to learn about the electric utility industry, Melum requested the job shadow opportunity.

“I learn a lot more here than a day at school,” Melum said. “It’s also nice to meet some of the guys that are in the trade, rather than working with kids just like me that are learning.”

On March 13, Melum will graduate from the Electric Distribution Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He already has a job lined up after graduation as a locator for Wisconsin Public Service. His goal is to eventually become an electric lineman.

“I look forward to doing this for the next 40 years,” Melum said.

Melum added that the job shadow experience at CWEC was extra special, considering he received a scholarship from CWEC. He said he is thankful for the scholarship because it has helped him move forward in achieving his goal of being a lineman.

“The co-op has always been around and it’s what has impacted the community around me,” Melum said.

During the job shadow, Melum said he primarily shadowed Journeyman Lineman Wyatt Phillips and Crew Foreman Mack Yarbrough. They did utility line inspections and had to do troubleshooting for a member who was experiencing flickering lights.

“Working with them today opened my eyes about the true passion of the trade I have,” Melum said. “I learned how to interact with customers better and how to maintain a system. I also thought about the cooperative and how it differs from a larger utility. I really like how they treat the public and are big contributors to the community.”

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If you are interested in applying for the CWEC Utility Worker Scholarship, click here.