Electrical Lineworkers
Click here for a list of occupations to which this description applies.
| CONSTRUCTION LINEMAN | LINE WORKER |
| ELECTRICAL MECHANIC | MAINTENANCE LINEMAN |
| WIREMEN | OUTDOOR LIGHTING AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLER |
| ELECTRICIAN | RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN APPRENTICE |
| HYDRO WIREMAN | SUBSTATION WIREMAN |
| LINE ELECTRICIAN | UTILITY WIREMAN |
| WIREMEN |
The Work
Electrical lineworkers construct and maintain electric transmission and distribution
facilities that deliver electricity to our homes, factories and commercial
and retail businesses. Apprentices work for various contractors on all
types of power line construction, both underground and overhead.
Working Conditions
The work is outdoors year-round and may involve extensive travel throughout
the Northwest. Work on high voltage electrical transmission lines can be
hazardous. Lineworkers are often called out to restore electrical service
during weather emergencies when wind, snow or ice storms have damaged electric
power lines.
The Apprenticeship
This program requires 6,000-8,000 hours (three to four years) of on-the-job
training. Periods of unemployment may lengthen the apprenticeship. In
addition, apprentices are required to attend 144-160 hours a year of
related classroom
studies that are provided through the apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the three conditions listed below:
- Minimum age of 18 and high school diploma or GED with at least one year of high school algebra or one term of college algebra with a grade of C or better (official transcript required).
- Minimum age of 18 and minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience in the trade which included climbing and other trade-related work (documentation required).
- Be a veteran with two or more years of active service with other than dishonorable discharge and have completed military training including line construction and related theories (documentation required).
