Highlands College Pre-Apprentice Line Program sends graduates into the field

Two Highlands College students say they plan to take their careers to new heights after graduating from the Pre-Apprentice Line Program.

The public is invited to see students put their skills to the test at the Line Rodeo on Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pole Yard at Highlands College.

For Hans Bumgarner of Belt and Landon Shoemake of Polson, the path into line work didn’t necessarily start with a lifelong plan, but it quickly became the right fit. Bumgarner said he enrolled in the program after encouragement from friends and his family. Growing up on a ranch, he originally planned to stay home and continue working alongside his dad. But after hearing about the program—and a push from his father to explore something new—he decided to give it a try.

“I didn’t know anything about it,” Bumgarner said. “I didn’t know the difference between a telephone pole and a line pole. But they thought I’d like it, and they were right.”

As finals approached, Bumgarner said the hands-on nature of the program has been a perfect match. He especially enjoys the technical aspects of rigging and the physical challenge of climbing.

“I love being at the top of the pole,” he said. “I love doing the hard stuff, seeing what I can do.”

Shoemake’s journey to the program was just as unexpected. Initially planning to pursue wildland firefighting, an injury shifted his direction. After touring Highlands College and learning more about the line program, he decided to enroll.

“I wanted to work with my hands,” Shoemake said. “The more I looked into line work, the more it interested me.”

Both students say the program’s fast pace and physical demands make it challenging, especially in the early weeks. Students spend long days outdoors, in the cold and weather, learning to climb poles, handle equipment, and complete technical coursework, all while adjusting to new routines and teammates.

“There’s a lot of new skills, and you have to learn them quick,” Shoemake said. “It’s a grind with the book work, too. There’s a lot of information packed into a short amount of time.”

Despite the challenges, both emphasized the strong sense of camaraderie built throughout the semester. Working closely in crews, students learn to rely on one another while developing the focus and communication skills required for the trade.

“It’s a huge team effort,” Shoemake said. “You’ve got guys on the ground and guys up on the pole. You’re always watching out for each other.”

For Bumgarner, the program has also been an opportunity for personal growth. He said it has helped him develop patience and the ability to work with a wide range of personalities, skills he knows will be essential in the field.

“It’ll definitely mold you as a person,” he said. “They take your weaknesses and help turn them into strengths.”

As graduation approaches, both students are looking ahead to the next step. Shoemake plans to join a crew and gain experience in the field, ideally working on larger projects outside his hometown. Bumgarner hopes to eventually work as a lineman in a small community, though he plans to spend time helping on his family’s ranch before entering the trade full-time.

“I’d like to be a small-town lineman eventually,” Bumgarner said.

While their paths forward may differ, both agree the program has prepared them for the demands of the job and confirmed they’re heading in the right direction.

“If you don’t know what to do, the line program is a great place to start,” Bumgarner said. “It’ll get you going somewhere.”