LANL worker wins Lineman-of-the-Year Award

February 23, 2011—Daniel Trujillo, a journeyman lineman in the Laboratory's Central Shop Operations, has received the International Apprentice Lineman-of-the-Year award from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

According to Trujillo, the three things that make a good lineman are “knowledge, skill, and a good attitude.” He attributes his success primarily to his coworkers. “It makes me proud to use the knowledge and skills that I acquired from the journeyman linemen in the Laboratory’s line shop,” he said.

His humility is part of the reason why his managers and peers think so highly of him. “Daniel is an inspiration to work with,” said Trujillo’s supervisor, Sam Martinez of Field Work Execution. “He’s a dedicated employee who takes his work, and especially the safety-related aspects of his work, very seriously.

“Daniel is liked and respected by his peers; he exemplifies the cohesiveness and camaraderie displayed by all linemen in our department,” Martinez continued.

Safety is everything

Originally from Hernandez, New Mexico, Trujillo joined the Laboratory in 2007 and completed a 7,000-hour apprenticeship through the Southwestern Line Constructors Joint Apprentice Training Committee. Working in a trade “that not many people would attempt,” Trujillo makes safety a top priority. “When you’re working 100 feet up in the air on high-voltage power lines, you have to take safety seriously,” Trujillo said.

He has competed in several contests, including the International Lineman’s Rodeo near Kansas City, Kansas, where linemen compete in contests that emphasize safety and best work practices. Last year, Trujillo won the IBEW Seventh District Southwestern Line Constructors’ Apprentice-of-the-Year competition.