Local Eversource workers compete in Lineworkers Rodeo

MANCHESTER — When Litteera Lehman of Belmont began her career with Eversource as a meter reader, she never imagined she would one day be working as a lineworker apprentice. Now, with nearly nine months of training under her “climbing belt” through the company’s Lineworker Apprenticeship Program, Lehman competed for the first time in the Eversource annual Regional Lineworker’s Rodeo Competition.

“It’ll be nerve-wracking having so many eyes watching while I compete, but it’ll be fun,” said Lehman before the competition, who now works at Eversource’s Tilton Area Work Center after completing the apprenticeship program. “I have really enjoyed training for the competition because it has allowed me to hone my climbing skills. I’m learning something new every day.”

The Lineworker’s Rodeo challenges competitors’ skill in a variety of events, including speed climb, rescue, and a mystery event. In the speed climb event, a competitor must race to the top of the pole carrying an egg in his or her mouth.

Lehman joined a select number of women to compete in the rodeo. Eversource Lineworker Mary-Kate Daley, who was recently promoted to the position of supervisor of the company’s Chocorua Area Work Center, was the only female competitor last year at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas. In 2015, Daley finished first overall among Eversource lineworker apprentices at the international competition. Daley was selected to serve as a judge at this year’s regional event, but is now scheduled to compete in place of an injured colleague.

Also competing for the first time in the Lineworker’s Rodeo Competition was Eversource Apprentice Alex Hilson of Laconia, who worked as a meter reader in Tilton for three years before applying to the apprenticeship program. Hilson, who now works with Letteera at Eversource’s Tilton Area Work Center, said training for competition with experienced journeymen has taught him that "it's not all about speed."

"Finesse and being comfortable climbing are also really important," he said. "I'm also learning that there are many different ways to complete a task and how to think outside the box."

Eversource apprentices competed individually at the rodeo, while experienced journeymen from throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut competed as teams. Apprentices and teams that qualify will move on to compete in October at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Litteera Lehman of Belmont was one linework competing in June's rodeo. (Courtesy photo)

Eversource Apprentice Alex Hilson of Laconia also competed. (Courtesy photo)