Edison International Empowers Future Lineworkers with $25,000 Scholarships
In a move that underscores its dedication to workforce development and clean energy, Edison International has announced 12 new recipients of its Lineworker Scholarship Program. This annual initiative offers up to $25,000 per recipient to help individuals build careers in the skilled trades, particularly in roles supporting Southern California Edison (SCE), the state’s largest electric utility.
The announcement of the 2025 recipients was purposefully timed with National Lineworker Appreciation Day, an occasion observed nationwide by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). The day celebrates the essential contributions of lineworkers who maintain, repair, and expand the electric grid, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Investing in People and the Clean Energy Transition
“The Edison International Lineworker Scholarship is about opening doors and investing in the next generation of talent,” said Steve Powell, president and CEO of SCE. “I am incredibly proud of the work our lineworkers and skilled tradespeople do every day to safely keep the lights on for our customers, while strengthening and modernizing the grid to meet growing demand as we transition to a clean energy future.”
As the state moves aggressively toward a carbon-neutral economy, there is a growing demand for highly trained workers who can support grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and system reliability. The scholarship program helps bridge the talent gap in utility infrastructure by reducing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
What the Scholarship Covers
Each scholarship recipient receives up to $25,000 in funding to pursue a Powerline Mechanic Certificate from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC). This program equips students with essential technical training and knowledge to begin working on the electric grid. In addition to tuition, the scholarship covers the cost of acquiring a Class A commercial driver’s license — a critical requirement for lineworker positions — as well as essential tools.
Recognizing the real-life challenges many students face while pursuing full-time training, Edison’s scholarship also provides wraparound support services. These include:
- Housing stipends
- Transportation assistance
- Childcare coverage
- Access to academic and career counseling
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that students can focus on their training without financial hardship. Upon successful completion of the program and SCE’s pre-employment qualifications, graduates are eligible for entry-level positions within the utility’s 50,000-square-mile service area in Southern California.
A Pipeline to Career Opportunity
Since its launch five years ago, the Edison International Lineworker Scholarship Program has helped more than 35 individuals begin careers in the electrical utility sector. Many past recipients now work in field operations, building and maintaining the infrastructure that delivers electricity to millions of Californians.
Importantly, the scholarship program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders, not utility customers. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its role in supporting California’s economic and environmental goals.
In collaboration with IBEW Local 47, the program aims to reflect the diverse communities SCE serves, placing a special focus on providing opportunities to those from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the skilled trades.
Skilled Trades: A Critical Need
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for lineworkers is projected to grow by 8% through 2033, outpacing the average for all U.S. occupations. The continued expansion of renewable energy sources, electric vehicle infrastructure, and grid resilience measures has created sustained demand for experienced lineworkers.
As the energy landscape evolves, so does the nature of utility work. Today’s lineworkers must not only be physically capable and technically proficient, but also trained to operate in an increasingly digitized environment, with smart grid systems, remote monitoring, and distributed energy resources becoming standard.
Steve Powell emphasized the strategic importance of investing in skilled labor:
“Lineworkers are the backbone of our energy system. With the grid becoming more complex and demand increasing, we need to cultivate a workforce that can rise to the challenge of delivering clean, reliable power to millions of Californians.”
Partnering for Impact
The partnership between Edison International and IBEW Local 47 reflects a shared commitment to developing career pathways in the energy sector. IBEW, a national labor organization representing over 775,000 electrical workers, has long advocated for robust apprenticeship and training programs.
“Our collaboration with Edison International provides a meaningful path to lifelong careers,” said a spokesperson for IBEW Local 47. “We are proud to support these scholarship recipients as they prepare to join the ranks of skilled tradespeople who power our communities.”
In addition to labor unions and community colleges, Edison is also working with nonprofit organizations and workforce development boards to identify promising candidates for the scholarship and to build broader pipelines into the energy industry.
Stories Behind the Students
While the 2025 class of scholarship recipients comes from varied backgrounds, many share a common thread: a desire to support their families and communities through meaningful work. Several recipients are veterans, single parents, or career changers looking for stability and purpose.
One recipient, who previously worked in the hospitality industry, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity:
“This scholarship changed my life. I never thought I could afford the training or tools needed to become a lineworker. Now, I’m building a future not just for myself, but for my kids.”
Another recipient shared how growing up in a neighborhood with frequent power outages inspired his career choice:
“I want to be the person keeping the lights on. Being part of SCE means I can help make sure no family has to sit in the dark.”
A Long-Term Commitment
Edison International’s Lineworker Scholarship is one part of a broader strategy to foster equitable access to energy careers. The company is also engaged in educational partnerships, internships, and community initiatives designed to:
- Increase representation of women and people of color in energy-related fields
- Promote STEM education in underserved areas
- Support transitioning military veterans into civilian careers
