How NLC supports the future of Minnesota’s lineworkers

From a young apprentice working transmission lines across the Southwest region of the US to becoming the Director of Apprenticeships and Client Solutions at Northwest Lineman College (NLC), Seth Rose’s path has been anything but ordinary. Rose’s initial pursuit of computer engineering transformed into a passion for education and giving back to the industry, ultimately shaping NLC’s partnership with organizations like MMUA and bringing innovative apprenticeship programs to communities across the country. 

NLC has offered lineman training and education nationwide since 1992. Over the years, it expanded its programs internationally, developed new educational tools, and built a reputation as a leader in power delivery training. 

Rose didn’t set out to become a spokesperson for the college. In 2004, he started his utility career working transmission lines in Kentucky for a contractor. He later moved into generation work at East Kentucky Power, and then he joined a local cooperative in Bammel, Kentucky, which supplied electricity to the well-known Maker’s Mark bourbon plant. 

His time in the field paved the way for an opportunity to join NLC as a training specialist at the Florida campus. After mastering the curriculum, he moved into the Director of Skills role and later transitioned into an education quality position, where he focused on standardizing instruction across NLC campuses and studying the student experience in depth. 

Those experiences prepared him for his current role as Director of Apprenticeships and Client Solutions. Today, Seth Rose works directly with customers, strengthens partnerships, and updates curricula. His background—as both a field worker and an educator—gives him a unique perspective. “Regardless of your location in the United States, you deserve a high quality apprenticeship program,” Rose says. 

MMUA members currently partner with Rose through NLC’s power delivery program, gaining access to NLC’s curriculum and testing platforms throughout the four-year Apprenticeship Lineworker Program. Although Rose is only a year into his role and hasn’t yet met MMUA members in person, he looks forward to visiting Minnesota, building relationships, and finding new ways to enhance what NLC offers. 

Rose thrives on face-to-face conversations and values being able to give back to the trade. “I’m a true believer in giving back to this industry, and this is the avenue I’ve been provided. You have to make the best of it,” he says. “Whether you’re in Minnesota or Alaska or Hawaii or California or Florida, you deserve a great apprenticeship program. It’s all about communication and relationships for me.” 

Throughout his career, NLC has given Rose countless opportunities to learn from people who have spent decades in the industry. He considers himself a lifelong learner. He often reflects on two sayings from NLC’s founder that guide his work: “Always look through the lens of what’s best for the student,” and “imagine all the possibilities.” Those principles, he says, drive his commitment to helping people reach their goals by focusing on the student experience. 

Rose’s passion lies in preparing the next generation of lineworkers. “Being able to share the journey I’ve been on, and the journeys of other trainers and individuals at NLC, is meaningful. Building or maintaining power lines is a great trade. It’s rewarding. It’s hard work. But the places this industry can take you, and the opportunities it can provide, are endless,” he says. 

MMUA apprentices can benefit from this partnership with Seth Rose at NLC, who is truly dedicated to the student experience.

If you are interested in MMUA’s Apprenticeship Program, which partners with NLC, contact Roger Avelsgard at ravelsgard@mmua.org.