Women in trades: Mackenzie Cordle

Special thanks to Jenna Baumgard with the DCTC Foundation for help with this story.

Mackenzie Cordle, Electrical Lineworker Class of 2020

Learn more about the Electrical Lineworker program at DCTC

Mackenzie is an electrical line apprentice with Colorado Springs Utilities. She is responsible for the installation, upgrade, maintenance, and repair of the electrical power system for Colorado Springs and the surrounding area, ensuring safe and reliable electricity to the homes and business throughout.

“As an apprentice, I am also responsible for learning from the Journeymen Linemen on the system operations unique to our grid, integrations within and the country’s power grid as a whole,” Mackenzie said. “I receive cross training with any departments that are interconnected with the construction and maintenance of the power supply; departments such as Distribution and Transmission Control, Generation, Substation maintenance, Troubleshooting, Field Engineering and Apparatus. Knowing how all of these areas play a role in the overall operation and construction of the city’s power.”

Mackenzie was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minn. She lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the Pikes Peak area with her son, E.J., and their dog, Roco. They love hiking and camping, along with snowboarding in winter.

The path to DCTC

“I chose DCTC after looking at other linework schools and programs and feeling as though DCTCs programs aligned with my life and values,” Mackenzie said. “The lineworker program had a great reputation and after attending the pre-climbing course, I believed the program would be the best fit. The instructors were knowledgeable, had great insight and experience in the trade.”

Mackenzie Q&A

What contributed to your success at DCTC?

Instructors Jesse Boots and Jake Marthaler were large contributors to my success with DCTC. They were incredible instructors who created a great environment for learning and growing within our classrooms. Their experiences and knowledge were great assets to my education and my own experiences as well as preparing me for transitioning into my time as an apprentice. They crafted teamwork within my classmates and helped us forge bonds that grew even after we left the class and moved on to our respective roles in companies across the country.

In a field where women are underrepresented, what approaches have supported your professional growth and success?

My approach as a woman to this trade is that there is nothing I can’t do. I may have to learn different techniques, such as rigging, weight distribution or positioning, but all tasks are possible if you’re willing to try different approaches. Every person within a crew has strengths and weaknesses, and finding ways to help one another through those moments is an important aspect to my trade. We place a massive emphasis on clear communication and planning to ensure the work is done correctly and safely. There are many ways to finish a task and so many different perspectives from people of all walks of life. To learn the many techniques and approaches from everyone in the trade is where success comes from. That goes for everyone in the trade, not just women.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering a two-year technical college and a career in a traditionally male-dominated trade?

I would tell women to never let anyone dictate what you can and cannot do in the world, especially the trades. There’s nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it and put in the work every single day. It’s not a place to coast through, it’s a place to learn how strong you are and all that you are capable of. Men and women bring different perspectives and values to the table, we all approach problems differently and that is extremely valuable. Having diverse viewpoints brings strength to a tea and in turn, creating growth.

How did your time at DCTC contribute to your career success?

My time at DCTC taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. As the trade I chose requires constant teamwork within a crew, the importance of collaboration becomes of the upmost importance. Learning these techniques with my classmates became incredible groundwork to bring forward into my career. It created a strong base to continue to build upon as I work through my apprenticeship with various crews.

Woman in safety gear with smiling young boy, behind an electrical line truck.

Mackenzie and her son, E.J.

Instructor Jesse Boots Q&A

What stands out to you when you think back on Mackenzie a student?

Mackenzie came into the line worker program full steam ahead determined to be successful. She had the drive, work ethic and mentality to not only show the guys she belonged in the trade but that she was there to out-work everyone along the way.

What changes or advancements have you observed in your industry that have improved support for women in your field?

In my 11 years, we have had three women graduate out of roughly 450 students. It is still a tough field for women to be accepted in but there are people willing to look at their ability and character giving them a chance to succeed.

What advice would you offer to female students who are considering careers in traditionally male-dominated industries, specifically yours?

You must be ready to give everything you have, this program, male or female, asks more of you than most are willing or able to give. You need to prepare for an uphill battle to break into the industry but if you are successful, the opportunity in front of you is well worth the blood, sweat and tears.