OREANDA-NEWS. Consumers Energy is adding jobs in Michigan, hiring qualified workers to increase its workforce that responds to emergencies, enhances system reliability and restores electric service following storms.

Consumers Energy plans to hire more than 50 journeyman line workers in 2016. In addition, the company is hiring up to 50 apprentice line workers annually for the next several years.

"Increasing our electric lines workforce is part of our promise to Michigan to work every day to deliver the energy customers need whenever they need it," said Cathy Hendrian, Consumers Energy's vice president of human resources. "In addition to new hires, we are expanding shifts to cover 16 hours a day, seven days a week to enhance our ability to restore electric interruptions safely and quickly. While our customer service is strong, we intend to drive the overall customer experience to an even higher level."

Candidates must have a current Journeyman Line Worker Card to be considered for the journeyman electric line worker positions. To apply, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/careers.

Identifying qualified candidates for the apprentice program is a critical part of the company's hiring plans. Those interested in entering the apprentice line worker program should enjoy working outdoors, staying fit and working at heights. It takes about 9,600 hours of on-the-job training and classroom work to advance to a journeyman line worker from a basic line apprentice.

In addition to restoring electric service interruptions, the electric line crews at Consumers Energy perform tasks such as upgrading and constructing electric distribution systems. Line crews work in all types of weather and during nights and weekends.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.