Power Lineman Series: Apprentice Lineman

An Apprentice Lineman is a worker that aspires to become a Journey level Lineman. The path to becoming a Lineman is something that will take commitment, a measure of skill, determination, an ability to work at heights, and a generous portion of common sense. In essence, Linework is the construction and maintainence of both de-energized and energized powerlines. Overhead powerlines are usually wooden poles with suspended wires on them. The wires are under great tension to keep them high enough in the air to avoid accidents with the public. The tension on the lines, combined with the hazard of high voltage and height issues create a work environment that takes years to safely negotiate with confidence. First, you must start your apprenticeship.

In the high voltage electrical trade, becoming an Apprentice Lineman is the natural progression towards becoming a Journeyman Lineman. Generally, there are two ways to go about becoming a Lineman. You can start by working for either a Public Utility (as I do), or you can work for a contractor. There are benefits and drawback to both avenues. At most utilities, your training is done "on the job". Every day that you go to work, your journey level Lineman will train you in some new aspect of the trade. You also attend special schools, on company time, to hone some skills in a controlled environment. Apprenticing with a contractor usually means that you will be going to school, after work hours, for several hours a week. At a utility you can usually settle down and buy a home in the area that you work - knowing that you will continue to have a job in the local area. Contractors go where the work is available. This usually means that you will be on the road, or out of town for long stretches of time. For some, the predictability of the utility work is desirable - for others, the opportunity to be out "booming" is what they love. Contractors pay double-time for all overtime work. This too is a draw for some. In the end, the work is pretty much the same: wires, poles, heights, and electricity.

An Apprenticeship is a way for the unskilled to become skilled through a process of successive steps. Each six month long step is both a raise in pay, and a raise of the bar. An apprentice must master a new set of skills for every step he reaches. Where I work, an apprenticeship comes in two lengths. For those who have had experience as a Groundman, the apprenticeship is 36 months - six, six-month steps in all. For those hired off the street, the apprenticeship is 42 months long. Contractors' apprentices undergo a 48 month long apprenticeship.

The six steps of an apprenticeship are set forth by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee - or JATC. The JATC's job is to maintain the standards necessary to produce productive, and highly skilled workers. Although the specific layout of the coursework may vary, the general progression of training for apprentices is as follows:

1. The first step of training usually focuses on learning how to climb a pole. Since a lineman has to climb up to be able to work, this is the first skill acquired. This first step also trains the apprentice in the basics of the electrical system. An apprentice will learn about the common tools and materials of his trade.


2. The second step introduces an apprentice to working on energized secondary conductors. These are wires energized from 110 to 500 volts. Apprentices will also learn how to properly ground primary conductors, as they are not yet permitted to work on energized conductors over 1000 volts. Rigging and transformer basics are also taught at this stage.


3. This third step introduces an apprentice to Live Line work. This is the use of hot stick tools to manipulate and repair energized powerlines while standing on a pole. The key to Live Line work is not brute force, but finesse. A strong understanding of rigging will make an apprentice lineman's job much easier at this stage.


4. Step four introduces the apprentice to Rubber Glove Techniques. This is the work of moving, repairing, and replacing energized powerlines at a very personal level. A lineman wears special insulating gloves while standing on an insulated platform, and works the powerlines with his hands. Because of the danger of working in such close proximity to energized wires, extensive training is involved.


5. Step five is a chance for the apprentice to learn advanced line techniques. These classes focus on the specialized tools and practices needed to work on special projects.


6. The final step is dedicated to learning the skills needed to perform work on underground electrical systems. The apprentice will learn how to splice cable, test equipment, and perform safe work practices.

After three years of training, the apprentice undergoes one final cumulative test of his knowledge. Should he pass, he will be awarded with a certificate from the state which proclaims him to have attained Journeyman status. Now the real work begins.

Next time: What does a Lineman do anyway?