Powering Careers: Edison's Scholarship Tackles Critical Lineworker Shortage

ROSEMEAD, CA – March 19, 2026 – As California grapples with modernizing its energy grid and transitioning to a cleaner future, the demand for the skilled professionals who build and maintain it has never been higher. Addressing this critical need, Edison International has opened applications for its 2026 Lineworker Scholarship, a program designed to create a direct pipeline of talent for one of the most essential and in-demand trades in the utility sector.

Developed in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 47, the annual scholarship offers a comprehensive support package valued at up to $25,000 each for as many as 12 individuals. This initiative provides more than just financial aid; it offers a structured pathway into a stable, well-paying career, reflecting a strategic investment in the future of both the workforce and the state's infrastructure.

Addressing a Critical Infrastructure Need

The scholarship arrives at a pivotal moment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electrical power line installers and repairers will grow by 7% between 2024 and 2034, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 10,700 job openings annually, driven by an aging workforce nearing retirement and the immense task of updating the nation's electrical grid to support increased electrification and renewable energy sources.

In California, the demand is even more acute. The state's ambitious climate goals, the rise of electric vehicles, and the need to fortify the grid against extreme weather events have created a surge in demand for skilled utility workers. Lineworkers are on the front lines of this transformation, and the average wage for the profession in the state, which stood at $153,484 in 2023, reflects their vital importance. However, a significant gap persists between the number of available skilled workers and the number needed.

Edison International’s program directly confronts this skills gap. “Our industry is responsible for safely providing reliable electric service, and our lineworkers make that possible,” said Orville Cocking, SCE’s senior vice president of Transmission & Distribution, in a statement. “The Lineworker Scholarship can help launch a rewarding career to dedicated individuals eager to make a difference in their community.”

From Scholarship to Skilled Career: A Pathway to Opportunity

For recipients, the scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity. The funds are designated for enrollment in the Powerline Worker: Pole Climbing Certificate program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC). Crucially, the financial support extends beyond tuition, covering the cost of tools, equipment, and obtaining a Class A commercial driver’s license—a mandatory requirement for the trade.

Recognizing that financial barriers are often not limited to school fees, the program also provides support for essential needs like housing, transportation, and even childcare. This holistic approach is designed to enable individuals from all backgrounds to fully commit to their training and succeed.

Since its inception in 2021, the program has awarded 60 scholarships totaling $1.5 million. The success stories of past recipients illustrate its impact. Ivan Castaneda, a 2023 recipient, transitioned from a career as a barber to a telecommunications helper at Southern California Edison (SCE) after completing the program. Zuriel Moreland, from the inaugural 2021 class, is now working as an electrical systems inspector with the utility. These examples highlight a clear and tangible return on the investment, turning scholarship recipients into valued employees.

Upon successfully completing the LATTC certificate, obtaining their commercial driver's license, and meeting pre-employment requirements, graduates are eligible for a full-time, entry-level groundman position at SCE. This direct link from education to employment is a cornerstone of the program's design, offering a clear and attainable career trajectory.

A Model for Workforce Development

The Edison International program is part of a broader industry-wide recognition that utilities must actively cultivate their future workforce. Other major players like PG&E, with its “PowerPathway” program, and Duke Energy, through its foundation grants, have also launched initiatives to train skilled workers. However, the deep partnership between Edison International and IBEW Local 47 sets a powerful example of labor-management collaboration.

“Lineworkers don’t just keep the lights on—they answer the call in the toughest conditions, around the clock, to keep our communities running,” noted Colin Lavin, business manager of IBEW Local 47. “This partnership with Edison International is about investing in the future of our trade and making sure the next generation is ready to carry that responsibility.”

The union's involvement ensures the training curriculum is aligned with the highest industry and safety standards, while the company provides the resources and career opportunities. This synergistic model benefits all parties: the students receive best-in-class training and support, the union grows its ranks with qualified members, and the company secures a pipeline of skilled talent essential for its operations. The program is funded by Edison International shareholders and IBEW Local 47, not utility ratepayers, underscoring its role as a strategic corporate and labor investment in community and workforce resilience.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship are open to individuals who are at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid driver's license, and are eligible to work in the U.S., with preference given to California residents. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8. For more information or to apply, prospective candidates can visit edison.com/lineworkerscholarship.