Quotables

• The power line technician (PLT) trade has historically been a male-dominated field. However, more and more women feel encouraged to explore a career in a skilled trade and step up as valued members of the PLT team at SaskPower.
• Kali is proud to be one of seven PLT apprentices in her family.  
• Her journey is a testament to perseverance, support, and breaking barriers.

The power line technician (PLT) trade has historically been a male-dominated field. However, more and more women feel encouraged to explore a career in a skilled trade and step up as valued members of the team at SaskPower. Kali Krieger, a second year PLT apprentice at SaskPower, is one of those women.

Kali works out of the Lloydminster District Maintenance Centre. As part of her PLT training, she’s learning to build and maintain our power grid. Her role involves a lot of hands-on learning and adapting to the dynamic nature of the job.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for Kali. Her team covers a large area and acts as an emergency crew, which means their plans can change in an instant.

"Between no power calls and accidents involving broken poles, we stay pretty busy," Kali explains. She often finds herself fixing streetlights or salvaging transformers. Despite the unpredictability, she enjoys the variety and the opportunity to learn.

Kali's journey into her career was unexpected. Growing up, she heard stories from her grandpa, uncles, and cousins about the trade and SaskPower. However, she never thought it was something she could achieve. Her uncle encouraged her to apply at SaskPower and she decided to give it a shot.

Her proudest moment came before she even got the job, during her time at the SaskPower Skills Assessment and Trade Orientation (SATO). She says that despite lacking confidence and facing setbacks,  she persevered and was offered an apprentice position. "I've never been so excited to do something new," she recalls.

Kali has been pleasantly surprised by the amount of support she has received from her colleagues. She initially thought she would face resistance as a woman in a male-dominated field, but instead, she found a supportive and welcoming environment. "I've never felt more supported in a workplace ever. They're all figuring out how to work with a lady who likes to talk about her nails and hair," she laughs.

Kali feels a strong sense of belonging at SaskPower. "There has been so much support and lots of laughs along the way. I wouldn't change it for the world," she says.

Her advice to anyone interested in the trade is to stay passionate, even on tough days. The weather in the province can be unforgiving, and the work can be hard, but the people are supportive. "Don't let those times take away from something you're passionate about," she advises. She encourages making friends with experienced colleagues and learning from their stories and experiences.

Kali is proud to be one of seven PLT apprentices in her family.  Her journey is a testament to perseverance, support, and breaking barriers.

How to Apply

Has Kali’s story inspired you?

If you’ve been thinking about a career in the skilled trades, you can learn about current job opportunities and set up job alerts at our career page. The Journeyed Trade Powerline Technician (Apprentice) position is posted year-round, with SATO running twice a year in spring and fall.

Women demonstrating their skills and abilities through an apprenticeship can apply for incentives, grants and scholarships to support their personal and professional growth.

Learn More

• Advancing Women in Skilled Trades
• Power Line Technicians
• Different Career Journeys Lead to PLT Success
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Women in Trades | SATCC