“There we were, in some places total devastation, loss of all power, all roads blocked off by fallen trees, but we pushed on,” said Dominique Steward, a 2010 graduate from the Overhead Linesman Trade, as crews from around the United States assisted the island of Puerto Rico for six months following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
Steward was not sure of his career path in life, but he knew college was not the option and took his time considering the Job Corps Program. He chose electrical courses including smart metering and overhead electrical work. While electrical work wasn’t his passion, he was taken with the overhead linesman vocation. As a student, Steward dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his studies while setting an example of excellence. This led him to taking on various leadership roles in his dorm. He progressed from dorm assistant to dorm president and was elected by his peers to serve in the Student Government Association. As a member of a Student Government Delegation, Steward made presentations to Texas Congressmen in Washington DC. As a result of his efforts and determination he was honored with Job Corps Scholar of the Year.
Upon graduation, Steward began his career with Pike Electric working on critical projects nationwide responding to state emergencies and supporting the electrical distribution systems from Connecticut to Miami, covering the entire east coast. Steward is employed by Austin Energy, where he serves as a crew foreman responsible for managing large equipment, trailers, and up to five crew members. By virtue of his work ethic, he was selected to work with a group of trouble shooters with the city of Austin, where he serves as a first responder for all emergencies within the Austin Energy territory, collaborating closely with Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department and EMS to handle electrical hazards and ensure public safety.
