Internship Sparks Future for Coal Ridge Student

For Coal Ridge High School senior Owen Evans, this summer wasn’t about relaxing by the pool or taking a seasonal job. Instead, he spent more than two months with Holy Cross Energy, learning the ropes of becoming a lineman.

Holy Cross Energy, a member-owned electric cooperative serving Western Colorado, recently revived its long-paused summer internship program. Once a staple more than 20 years ago, the program was relaunched this year to introduce students to the skilled-trade careers that keep communities running.

“Not everyone’s path is college. There are other great careers out there, and we want them to see that,”  explained Cody O’Neil, Vice President of Operations for Holy Cross Energy, of the summer internship program.

Owen jumped at the chance, even though at just 17, he was younger than the typical applicant. 

“It took a lot of hoops to get me in the program since I wasn’t 18 yet,” Owen admitted. “But once I was there, they included me in so much more than I expected.”

What began as a role involving cleaning trucks and shadowing crews quickly evolved into hands-on learning. Owen climbed poles, practiced safety procedures, and even supported crews during a helicopter job, flying equipment into remote areas when trucks couldn’t reach. He also witnessed new technology in action, like drones to stringing ropes where helicopters couldn’t fly.

Owen made an impression.

“He just portrayed himself really well,” said O’Neil. “He was genuine and willing to learn, and he lived up to every bit of that once he was on the job.”

Owen’s experience cemented his career path. After graduation, he plans to attend the lineworker program at Colorado Mesa University, a decision reinforced by the mentorship he received at Holy Cross.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but amazing,” Owen said. “Every day was different. You have to learn to work through being uncomfortable, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

And that,  said O’Neil, is exactly what the Holy Cross summer internship program is all about.

“For students like Owen, this isn’t just a summer job,” O’Neil added. “It’s a spark that can lead to a lifelong, rewarding career.”

Holy Cross plans to begin advertising for the 2026 summer internship program in the early spring of 2026.