Lineman

What it’s like to be a Lineman

A Lineman typically start as an Apprentice, learning all about the installation and maintenance of electrical transmission and distribution systems, both overhead and underground, construction standards, utility safety rules and requirements and the federal, state and local level. Apprentices will work with the Foreman or working Foreman on the crew and operate line department equipment such as aerial lift trucks, digger trucks, pick-ups, backhoes, etc. as directed by Foreman or Working Foreman.

Journeymen Line Worker

Journeymen Linemen repair and replaces transmission and distribution power lines, energize and de-energize equipment, remove broken or defective wires, install pole hardware and equipment like transformers, lightning arresters, switches, fuses, and insulators. Journeymen Linemen also safely handle high-voltage lines with a variety of skills and tools.

Line Worker – Foreperson

The foreman of the crew works with, supervises and/or trains line department personnel, contracted subcontractors, as well as warehouse personal. They work to complete overhead and underground electrical construction and maintenance projects through job briefings, oversight of personnel, scheduling job related outages and working with a variety of department for system damage repairs.

A foreman must understand the installation and maintenance of the electrical transmission and distribution systems, have knowledge of utility safety rules, and requirements at the local, state and federal level.

Education: High school diploma or GED, and vocational training. There are a variety of pathways into the career of lineman work. Vocational training can be obtained through The Vocational Outside Lineworker Training Academy (VOLTA), Northwest Lineman College, and other academies. Other lineman obtain apprenticeships with the local union, NECA-IBEW.

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