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Are you interested in becoming a lineman but not sure if you should start a diploma program or go right into an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships can be hard, especially when you start from scratch. You will have a much easier time learning and growing as a lineman with a formal education from Tulsa Welding School (TWS). We offer a well-rounded curriculum that teaches you what you need to know to succeed as a lineman. We prepare you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be a successful apprentice. So, what does a lineman do?
What Does a Lineman Do?
Linemen install and repair electrical power systems and telecommunication cables. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, linemen do the following:
- Install, maintain, repair, and fix power lines.
- Identify and replace defective devices and components
- Test power lines and other electrical equipment.
- Install and maintain power lines between residences, commercial buildings, and street poles.
- Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to repair down power lines.
- Travel to job sites and remote transformer stations.
- Follow safety standards and protocols set by federal, state, and local governments.
What is a Lineman Apprenticeship?
During an apprenticeship, linemen get hands-on training to put their classroom theory to the test. They will perform tasks like climbing poles, installing power lines, and repairing transformers.
An apprenticeship is an opportunity for a lineman to get work experience that will prepare them for the contractor licensing exam. An apprenticeship usually lasts for 3 to 4 years before they can apply for a contractor license. Once a license is obtained, linemen may work independently without strict supervision. They can even manage other apprentices or start their own contractor business.
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Is Lineman Apprenticeship Hard?
You may consider the training challenging. It takes more than strength to become a lineman. Working as a lineman requires strength, stamina, agility, bravery, and critical thinking.
Strength – a lineman may be tasked with setting up street poles, hauling gear, and pulling thick cables that will take some strength to maneuver. Strength includes mental as well as physical strength.
Stamina – working as a lineman takes stamina. A lineman may have to climb street poles and transformer towers. They will also pull heavy cables while lifting materials to install and maintain power lines.
Agility – linemen will need to move quickly and efficiently. This includes the lineman’s ability to climb. They may climb street pole that is over 30 to 100 feet tall. They will need to be agile mentally, so they can react to whatever situation they find themselves in.
Bravery – a lineman will need to be brave. They will need to confront the dangers of the job and show no signs of weakness. A lineman must be able to take risks and face challenges, even in the face of adversity.
Critical Thinking – linemen will need to analyze and evaluate information to make decisions while sitting many feet in the air, fixing power lines and transformer towers. They will need to avoid making hasty decisions as working as a lineman can be dangerous.
A lineman must also be an outdoor person since they work outside most of the day. They will find themselves installing and maintaining power lines, often working during power outages.
Do I Need a Diploma to Become a Lineman?
Many linemen will get a diploma before entering an apprenticeship because many employers are looking to hire experienced linemen. Employers would rather save time and resources than train a lineman from scratch. A great way to obtain the fundamental knowledge and skills of a lineman is by attending Tulsa Welding School’s Lineman program.
Want to Learn More?
Technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field and become a lineworker. Many people decide to invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as a professional. To learn more about our Electrical Lineworker program offered at our Dallas Metro campus, contact us at Tulsa Welding School, call (214) 227-9911.
* According to BLS data annual mean salaries for Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers (49-9051) in the Dallas area were $71,190 through May 2022. http://data.bls.gov/oes.
