3 answers
Jean
Student
Wyandanch, New York
1
Question
Updated
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what a good way to start at electrical power-line intstallers
#electrical-engineering
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3 answers
Erin Daugherty
Lab Technician
5
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Apprenticeship programs are the conventional method for becoming a licensed industrial or journeyman electrician. You can also attended vocational or tech schools which usually have accredited certification programs. If you are just looking to become a wireman or field technician any of these are viable options.
Dennis Wang
Product Marketing and Market Intelligence
10
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
You could look for electrical apprenticeship to start. Make sure you understand the safety protocol and attend the latest safety/compliance training for the job. All the best.
Billy Peacock
Power Grid Operator
19
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Billy’s Answer
There is a great lineman school, Northwest Lineman College, that offers programs designed just to help folks get a leg up on the competition to get those jobs. 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.
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.