Troy Martin, who recently completed two years in the Career & Technical Institute’s (CTI) Trade Electric program, has plenty to be happy about. The 2026 Rhinebeck High School graduate was awarded a $6,100 Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe Works Foundation that he will use toward his studies at the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia.
Rowe’s official Instagram page announced July 6 that Martin was one of 322 students from across the country to receive a scholarship in the first of four rounds this year with a total of $3 million being rewarded. The scholarship helps close the skills gap by supporting people who want to learn a trade in fields as diverse as construction and cosmetology, work hard and take pride in their jobs, according to Rowe’s website.
Martin felt extremely grateful to receive this scholarship that will help pay for his schooling because not many are given the opportunity. He will study to be an apprentice electric lineman for over 15 weeks with the hope of being offered a job before he graduates in a field he is passionate about. He chose to go to Lineman for a unique reason.
“I chose to attend there to learn how to live miles away from my family and to be on my own trying to achieve my career as a line worker,” Martin said. “I hope to go out and continue working with electric my whole life, helping people with no power and turning the lights back on for them.”
The Trade Electric program taught Martin plenty, including getting out of his comfort zone to have experiences he never thought he would have before.
“It helped me in my professional journey by showing up every day ready to work and actually enjoy being somewhere,” Martin recalled. “It also showed me that you can meet people from all different schools and become really good friends with them and make many memories along the way.”
Martin’s advice to upcoming CTI students is that connections will get one farther on their professional journey than just education and to persevere when times are tough.
“Stick it out,” Martin said. “If it seems boring or too much just keep on pushing, no matter what.”