7 answers
jordan
Student
3
Questions
Updated
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What is the education like for power lineman?
I really like going to school but I don't wanna go for another 4 years
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7 answers
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
86
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
In the Seattle Area you apply to the Utility Company and enter into their apprenticeship program. Once you are in the program you will attend classes and receive on-the-job training.
You can go onto the internet and search. Enter the name of your local utility companies and add the following: "your utility company" become a lineman. Or call the company and ask them.
You can go onto the internet and search. Enter the name of your local utility companies and add the following: "your utility company" become a lineman. Or call the company and ask them.
Mark Wilson
Construction Engineer
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hey Jordan,
Just wanted to share a couple of stories about some pals of mine who've made it as electricians. One of them started right at the rock bottom, just hanging out in the shop, getting to know the tools and pulling wires. As time went by, he soaked up more knowledge and skills, and soon enough, he was an apprentice. The company saw his potential and sent him off to school to become a master electrician.
Then there's my other friend who took a slightly different route. He earned his associate's degree from a trade school and landed an apprenticeship. This stepping stone led him to an internship which eventually paved his way to becoming a master electrician. Now, he's working for the local power company.
There are loads of companies out there who are on the hunt for talented electricians. Best of luck to you!
Just wanted to share a couple of stories about some pals of mine who've made it as electricians. One of them started right at the rock bottom, just hanging out in the shop, getting to know the tools and pulling wires. As time went by, he soaked up more knowledge and skills, and soon enough, he was an apprentice. The company saw his potential and sent him off to school to become a master electrician.
Then there's my other friend who took a slightly different route. He earned his associate's degree from a trade school and landed an apprenticeship. This stepping stone led him to an internship which eventually paved his way to becoming a master electrician. Now, he's working for the local power company.
There are loads of companies out there who are on the hunt for talented electricians. Best of luck to you!
charnelle saint-laurent
Observer analyst
54
Answers
Huntington Station, New York
Updated
charnelle’s Answer
Hello,
To be honest I am not quit sure about this position. You should do your research. But I would say in a blue collar job people usually learn there trade from someone try and find a power lineman and ask if he/she can be your mentor or shadow them. That’s the best advice I got for you. Best of luck!
To be honest I am not quit sure about this position. You should do your research. But I would say in a blue collar job people usually learn there trade from someone try and find a power lineman and ask if he/she can be your mentor or shadow them. That’s the best advice I got for you. Best of luck!
LISA GRUNDY-YATES
911 Senior Manager
1
Answer
Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Updated
LISA’s Answer
Great Field to be interested in I would say that if you combine classroom instructions with on-the-job training.
Philip Gauthier
Nuclear Plant Work Week Manager
3
Answers
Prairieville, Louisiana
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
I work in Nuclear (No 4yr degree) and my father is a Power Line Supervisor (No Degree). Every company will have different requirements for employment but as far as I know you do not need a 4-year degree to become a power lineman. Education will never hurt, but there are trade schools and lineman schools that specialize and can get you into the field faster.
For instance, there are powerline schools all over the country that you can attend and learn the job in less than a year. I don't know if I can suggest certain schools or companies in on this website but a simple google search would provide you an answer. Many power companies have apprentice positions that would allow you to start with minimal education requirements. My father knows lots of people that make well over 100k a year and never attended college. He actually told me about one of his friends that started his own line company that travels all over the country working storm restoration jobs and he doesn't have a degree either.
I personally did not go to a college but received my education in the Navy (Navy Nuclear Power School) and was paid the whole time. I took my focused education and experience and continued working in the civilian nuclear world. Some companies prefer experience over education and that's how I was blessed with the job that I have now (I will point out that my position is required to have a degree in some other companies). The Navy unlike the other branches, lets you choose your job before you join so you can search around and ask a recruiter. I believe Seabees work do powerline work (Not 100% sure though).
Please do not take my answer as a complete dismissal of higher education. A 4-year degree would help with starting pay and also give you a solid knowledge base to work with throughout your career. An Electrical Engineering (or engineering technologies) degree would be the most helpful major if you are interested in the power industry.
I didn't see any linemen reply to this question yet, but I would recommend you find a good mentor that can give specific advice about becoming a lineman.
Hopefully this helps!
I work in Nuclear (No 4yr degree) and my father is a Power Line Supervisor (No Degree). Every company will have different requirements for employment but as far as I know you do not need a 4-year degree to become a power lineman. Education will never hurt, but there are trade schools and lineman schools that specialize and can get you into the field faster.
For instance, there are powerline schools all over the country that you can attend and learn the job in less than a year. I don't know if I can suggest certain schools or companies in on this website but a simple google search would provide you an answer. Many power companies have apprentice positions that would allow you to start with minimal education requirements. My father knows lots of people that make well over 100k a year and never attended college. He actually told me about one of his friends that started his own line company that travels all over the country working storm restoration jobs and he doesn't have a degree either.
I personally did not go to a college but received my education in the Navy (Navy Nuclear Power School) and was paid the whole time. I took my focused education and experience and continued working in the civilian nuclear world. Some companies prefer experience over education and that's how I was blessed with the job that I have now (I will point out that my position is required to have a degree in some other companies). The Navy unlike the other branches, lets you choose your job before you join so you can search around and ask a recruiter. I believe Seabees work do powerline work (Not 100% sure though).
Please do not take my answer as a complete dismissal of higher education. A 4-year degree would help with starting pay and also give you a solid knowledge base to work with throughout your career. An Electrical Engineering (or engineering technologies) degree would be the most helpful major if you are interested in the power industry.
I didn't see any linemen reply to this question yet, but I would recommend you find a good mentor that can give specific advice about becoming a lineman.
Hopefully this helps!
Brooke Jones
Product Management
31
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
I’m not an expert in the field of power linemen, but I can share some general thoughts. If becoming a power lineman is something you’re passionate about, it’s definitely worth pursuing. While I’m not sure about the specific details of the education, I know that vocational training or apprenticeship programs are often part of the path to becoming a lineman. These programs typically involve hands-on learning and classroom instruction.
Before you start school or a training program, consider looking for jobs or internships that could give you a feel for the industry. For example, you might want to check out work as a laborer, construction assistant, or helper in related fields like electrical work or utility services. These jobs will help you get a better sense of what the job involves and provide valuable experience. What’s important is that in school or during your training, you’ll have the chance to network with professionals and peers, and you’ll learn so much about the industry and the skills needed for the job. If this is a career that excites you, putting in the effort will definitely pay off!
Before you start school or a training program, consider looking for jobs or internships that could give you a feel for the industry. For example, you might want to check out work as a laborer, construction assistant, or helper in related fields like electrical work or utility services. These jobs will help you get a better sense of what the job involves and provide valuable experience. What’s important is that in school or during your training, you’ll have the chance to network with professionals and peers, and you’ll learn so much about the industry and the skills needed for the job. If this is a career that excites you, putting in the effort will definitely pay off!
Gabriela Sarkany
Service Delivery Manager
4
Answers
Brașov, Brașov County, Romania
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Dear Jordan,
Attending school can be tough, but it's a valuable tool for gaining practical knowledge. If you simply follow others' desires, you might not see the need for school. However, this approach could lead to drawbacks like earning a lower income.
Consider this: what if you went to school to study electricity? You could learn to draw electrical lines, design electrical networks, and calculate power requirements, among other things. At the same time, you could gain hands-on experience by installing electrical lines.
Would this be a suitable path for you, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge?
I hope you make the decision that's best for you!
Warm regards,
Gabriela
Attending school can be tough, but it's a valuable tool for gaining practical knowledge. If you simply follow others' desires, you might not see the need for school. However, this approach could lead to drawbacks like earning a lower income.
Consider this: what if you went to school to study electricity? You could learn to draw electrical lines, design electrical networks, and calculate power requirements, among other things. At the same time, you could gain hands-on experience by installing electrical lines.
Would this be a suitable path for you, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge?
I hope you make the decision that's best for you!
Warm regards,
Gabriela