TANNER COOK AND DUSTIN KENNEDY ARE AUB’S NEWEST JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN

Tanner Cook and Dustin Kennedy are Athens Utilities Board’s (AUB) newest journeyman lineman and the utility’s most recent employees to receive an advanced certification within their field of work.

Cook began his career with AUB in the utility’s Water Division in 2013.  In a mere two years, he passed the state of Tennessee’s Water Distribution Grade 2 Test. In 2016, he completed the AUB Water Division Apprenticeship Program.  And in 2017, he transitioned over to the power division to begin an apprentice program for lineman. 

Kennedy took a different path on his journey to become a lineman.  He began his career with AUB as a meter reader in 2016.  In October of 2017, after completing a successful road of vigorous interviews, he started his apprenticeship program for lineman. 

“I am not real sure an exact reason as to why I wanted to become a lineman. The responsibilities and job duties of a lineman really appealed to me, even though I knew the program would be several years and challenging,” Cook said.

For Kennedy, it was a different story.  “It is more than just being a lineman for me, it is a way of life.  I am now the fourth-generation lineman in my family.  It is what I have always wanted to do.  More than anything I wanted to make my dad and ‘papaw’ proud,” Kennedy stated. 

The apprentice program is five years of hands-on learning in the field and countless hours of testing and classes. Cook and Kennedy were fortunate to be able to attend these classes together.  They spent time in Scottsboro, Ala., at the Bellefonte nuclear facility practicing safe climbing techniques, training on all aspects of line work and construction, and focusing on safety. They also spent time in training in Greeneville, Tenn.

“Tanner Cook and Dustin Kennedy are a joy to work with and manage.  I am thrilled to see them reach lineman status and I am proud to call them ours,” said Kevin Goins, superintendent of AUB’s power division.

“Dustin is a multi-generational lineman as his grandfather, his dad, and twin brother, who are all linemen.  Dustin has a genuinely happy personality and is always eager to jump in and do whatever needs to be done.  Dustin has really made AUB a better place and we are lucky to have him.

“Tanner is one of the most sincere and genuine people you could ever hope to meet.  Tanner is the type that does not say much if he does not know you really well.  But when he does say something, it will   be important, funny, or both.  He is a new dad, and through seeing his character at work I am sure he will be a wonderful example for his wife and new child.

“AUB is certainly better with Dustin and Tanner as part of our family.  I look forward to working with them for years to come.  They will absolutely be future leaders and trainers for future AUB apprentice linemen,” Goins said.