2 answers
kody
Student
Thorsby, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
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what is required to work as a lineman for alabama power
#alabama-power #lineman #southern-company #power #energy # #engineering
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2 answers
Billy Peacock
Power Grid Operator
19
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Great question, Kody!
These lineman positions generally pay really well because it's pretty clear as to what the hazards and risks are for this kind of work. Getting this job can be very competitive.
Try to do what you can to set yourself apart from your competition. There is a great lineman school, Northwest Lineman College, that offers programs designed just to help folks get a leg up on the competition. A lot of utilities use contractors for transmission line work too. Getting hired on with a contractor can give you experience that will be helpful later getting a job with large utility like Georgia Power. An electrical background also will be a huge plus. I'd try to network with current linemen within the company via LinkedIn as well.
Once hired, you'll most likely be working at an entry level position for a few years just to learn the ropes. I'd expect to be in an apprenticeship program working under the direction of a qualified journeyman for 3-5 years. Be ready for the 12 hour shifts and to be on-call for emergency repairs 24 hours a day. You'll need a CDL, too.
Keep in mind this is a very physically demanding job. You'll be required to climb those poles and steel lattice structures you see around town. You'll be suspended and working 50 feet in the air for hours at a time. Because of this, most utilities will have some sort of physical agilities test you'll have to pass as a condition of employment. They can be pretty tough.
Wishing you all the best on your career prospecting as a lineman! The road getting there will be challenging but as with most things in life, hard work will eventually get you there!
These lineman positions generally pay really well because it's pretty clear as to what the hazards and risks are for this kind of work. Getting this job can be very competitive.
Try to do what you can to set yourself apart from your competition. There is a great lineman school, Northwest Lineman College, that offers programs designed just to help folks get a leg up on the competition. A lot of utilities use contractors for transmission line work too. Getting hired on with a contractor can give you experience that will be helpful later getting a job with large utility like Georgia Power. An electrical background also will be a huge plus. I'd try to network with current linemen within the company via LinkedIn as well.
Once hired, you'll most likely be working at an entry level position for a few years just to learn the ropes. I'd expect to be in an apprenticeship program working under the direction of a qualified journeyman for 3-5 years. Be ready for the 12 hour shifts and to be on-call for emergency repairs 24 hours a day. You'll need a CDL, too.
Keep in mind this is a very physically demanding job. You'll be required to climb those poles and steel lattice structures you see around town. You'll be suspended and working 50 feet in the air for hours at a time. Because of this, most utilities will have some sort of physical agilities test you'll have to pass as a condition of employment. They can be pretty tough.
Wishing you all the best on your career prospecting as a lineman! The road getting there will be challenging but as with most things in life, hard work will eventually get you there!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Kody:
Thank you for your question. I suggest that you start perusing Alabama Power.com site to learn about the company, culture, employees, etc. . (https://www.alabamapower.com/our-company.html). Below are additional links to research - -
https://www.glassdoor.com/Jobs/Alabama-Power-Journeyman-Lineman-US-Jobs-EI_IE15983.0,13_KO14,32_IL.33,35_IN1.htm?irs=C2J_TAB_SALARIES
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Alabama-Power-Journeyman-Lineman-Salaries-E15983_D_KO14,32.htm
I wish you the luck on your journey. Take care.
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps: