Kasey Chatman, center, and other members of the first all-female utility lineman class at Los Angeles Trade Technical College carry their gear toward the testing area. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Bridgett Gonzales, center, and classmates go through stretching exercises before taking their final certification test in pole-climbing. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Briteney Jones steps up a pole at a testing yard in Los Angeles. She is one of 22 women set to graduate as L.A. Trade Tech’s first female class of certified utility linemen. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Kasey Chatman stretches and takes a deep breath before descending from the pole. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
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Chatman, left, gets a hug from classmate Marika Williford after her first try at the pole-climbing test was unsuccessful. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Thanks to a $1-million Clean Energy Workforce grant, the school was able to offer a free course for women only, according to Leticia Barajas, dean of Academic Affairs. With the grant, enrollment rose from two women in two years to 22 women in one semester. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Rita Romero, left, and Bridgett Gonzales practice pole-climbing before their certification test. After graduation Friday, the women will don their work clothes and put on a climbing demonstration for family and friends. See full story(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
