Paving a Career Path in Linework

A few years from now, there’s a chance you might catch sight of Irma Ayala among Southern California Edison’s lineworkers, helping to strengthen the electric grid. It’s a future that’s within reach for Ayala now that she’s earned one of 12 Edison International Lineworker Scholarships this year.

Launched in 2021, this scholarship, based on financial need, awards up to $25,000 per recipient, providing tuition, tools and support to complete training at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College — a first step toward a career in linework.

One of this year's cohort, Ayala reveals the driving force behind her motivations in linework and the doors she hopes the scholarship will open.

How has your background led you to your interest in linework?

I’ve always liked working with my hands and looking for opportunities to help in my community. In high school, I got a summer job setting up and breaking down a woman’s flea market stand using plywood and tarps.

After graduating, I became a laborer in my hometown of El Monte, California, doing construction, painting and landscaping. To learn more about different trades, I joined an apprenticeship readiness program, Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER). There, I learned about concrete, carpentry, plumbing and more, but nothing called to me until I learned about linework.

When I went to visit my best friend whose house burned down in the Eaton Fire, I was amazed by the lineworkers I saw in Altadena. They worked tirelessly to bring back electricity. It was amazing, and I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that.

What motivated you to apply for the scholarship?

SCE spoke to my cohort in the WINTER program and shared how the scholarship would provide tuition, tools and support to complete training at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. I applied because this is a path I can see myself succeeding in.

Once I finish the training, I plan to apply for an entry-level skilled trade position at SCE. I think linework is an admirable career. I know it’s not for everyone, but I don't mind getting dirty or working in the heat — I actually enjoy it. I’ve found a career that aligns with that, and I feel like I’ve won.

What are some challenges you’ve overcome in your journey to linework?

I didn’t grow up seeing role models in the field that I could relate to. I know many of the trades are male dominated, but I’ve never let that affect me before because I have a “how bad do you want it” mentality. Helping the lady at the swap meet run a successful business, working in construction and connecting with others in the WINTER program are experiences that proved to me that women belong in any space they work hard for. I carry myself like I belong, I push to be above average, and I let my work speak louder than any doubt around me.

What are you looking forward to the most?

I’m excited to be a positive role model, showing others — especially women — that they too can succeed in this trade. I also can’t wait to meet the other scholarship recipients and make connections with other driven, hardworking people.

Meet the 2025 Lineworker Scholarship recipients.

To learn more about careers at SCE, visit edisoncareers.com.