I used to think working for a local utility was the only way to go, we had the best training the best equipment and were generally paid better.We had the union behind us and our benifits were fantastic. Times have changed I'm afraid. Maybe de-regulation had something to do with it, I don't know. It seams the local utilities decided having there own crews drove up labor costs and began cutting back years ago. Most major rebuilds and large projects are contracted out now. It almost seams that upper management could care less about its own people. They worry more about paying fatigue time and meals than reducing outage durations. I've talked with plenty of contract Lineman from Hawkeye and they all say they would never work for a utility like ours. the pay is less and the benifits suck they say. The only time we seam to be appreciated is when a major storm blows through and even then they can't wait to declare the storm over and send us home even though the contractors are still putting up services. As far as training goes I think the utility still has a slight edge over contractors. We've all read the accidents involving apprentices working for contractors. Maybe they push the apps through too fast to " Git er done" mentality. One lineman from hawkeye I talked to last year said he made over $150,000 and could've made more if it were'nt for hunting season. He seamed a little happier too. At least working for a local utility gives you more time to spend with your family. If I was young again and did'nt have a family maybe I would've become a tramp lineman. Good luck to you in whatever path you choose and work safe my friend.