From MIT to the Electrical Lineworker Academy: A Journey of Reinvention
How does an Ivy League graduate end up in the Electrical Lineworker Academy at Cleveland Community College? The same way as students from all over the country. He was looking for a new direction and a challenging but fulfilling career.
When Matthew Archie decided to turn a new page in his life, he didn’t just take a leap of faith—he climbed to new heights, literally.
Matthew’s academic credentials are impressive and varied. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from MIT. Later, he pursued post-baccalaureate studies in quantitative laboratory sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and even spent a summer in Moscow studying classical Russian theater.
Given his wide range of studies, it’s no surprise that he has experience in various industries: banking, asset management, manufacturing, advertising, and more. He even holds a patent and composed a lo-fi electronic music record. Yet, despite these accomplishments, something was missing.
“I always thought I’d appreciate a profession that was more physical in nature,” Matthew shared. After moving to South Carolina and meeting a group of linemen at his local gym, his curiosity was sparked by their satisfaction with their work. Before long, he found himself climbing into the world of electrical linework.
Why CCC’s Electrical Lineworker Academy?
Matthew’s gym buddies, many of whom were alumni, highly recommended Cleveland Community College’s ELA program. Their endorsements and the Academy’s impressive reputation sealed the deal for Matthew. Looking back, he describes his experience as nothing short of “incredible.”
“The lineman staff, the commercial driver’s license (CDL) staff, and the heavy equipment operator (HEO) staff are all great at what they do,” Matthew said. But it wasn’t just the instructors who impressed him. “The quality of my fellow students was shocking. Most were more outdoorsy and mechanically advanced than me, yet the camaraderie was beautiful to experience. Folks really came together to help each other.”
Rising to the Challenge
While Matthew excelled in many areas of his life, the ELA program was challenging in a different way. “I’m very competitive, and I’m used to things coming easily to me,” he admitted. But learning the skills of a lineman—from mastering knots to operating heavy equipment—required a level of focus and effort he hadn’t experienced before.
The CDL Class A backing portion proved particularly tough. “I passed the CDL Class A permit exams and the pre-trip inspection on my first attempt, but backing a tractor-trailer unit without a rear-view camera was a steep learning curve,” he explained. Despite the struggles, he persisted, ultimately earning a Class B Automatic CDL and graduating with pride.
Matthew’s favorite part of the program? “Everything. The highs and the lows. That’s what makes for a full experience.”
Advice for Aspiring Lineworkers
Matthew’s advice for those considering the ELA program:
- Believe in yourself. “If I can do it, you can do it too,” Matthew said.
- Come prepared. “If you’re mechanically inclined and willing to work hard, you’ll probably thrive in this program.”
- Seize the opportunity. “The ELA Academy offers world-class lineman training at a competitive cost. If you’re remotely interested, go for it!”
- Be professional and open-minded. Show up early, work hard, and be ready to learn from your peers and instructors.
- Don’t let age deter you. “I’m hitting my 40s soon, and I did it. There’s plenty of camaraderie to go around, regardless of age.”
A New Chapter
After graduation, Matthew joined Utility Lines Construction Services and is excited to begin his career as a lineman. Reflecting on his time at the Academy, he said, “I’ve attended world-class educational programs, and CCC’s Electrical Lineworker Academy is top-tier in my book.”