How to Become a Lineman in Florida in 4 Months

Do you want to be a first responder? Did you know lineman are on the front lines during an outage alongside police and firefighters? According to the Florida Department of Opportunity¹, trade, transportation, and utilities industry jobs increased by 5,400 in April 2023. This includes utility workers like welders, electricians, HVAC technicians, and electrical lineworkers.

How To Become a Lineman in Florida in 4 Months

You must take a few steps to become a lineman in Florida. These steps include:

Step #1: Graduating from High School or Getting a GED

The first step in becoming a lineman in Florida is to complete high school or GED exam. This is the minimum educational requirement to attend a trade school like Tulsa Welding School (TWS). You must also be 18 years of age and have a government-issued identification.

Step #2: Choosing a Lineman School

There are a few options for lineman schools in Florida, with . Tulsa Welding School being one of the best. Our campus is conveniently located in Jacksonville, FL. 

Plus, the program can be completed in as little as four months, so you can start working shortly after completing your education.

Step #3: Applying to the Program

The next step is to apply to TWS for the Electrical Lineworker program. To be accepted to the lineman program at TWS, you must meet the following admissions requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be either a high school graduate or have your G.E.D
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Be eligible to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Provide proof of current medical insurance coverage by the start date of the term you select. (Students are required to keep current coverage for the duration of the program.)
• Do not have a felony conviction on your record.
• Weigh no more than 300 pounds due to weight restrictions of fall protection equipment.
• Complete the online learning readiness assessment.
• Be physically and mentally fit to participate (official Medical Release form provided during the enrollment process)
• Proof of passing the DOT Physical and our Doctor and Medical Release form signed by you and your doctor

Step #4: Complete the Program and Graduate

Our 15 week-long Electrical Lineworker program prepares you to install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines.

As part of our Electrical Lineworker  program, you will complete over 200 hours of lecture and over 300 hours of hands-on lab work.  You will complete classes in OSHA and compliance training, job briefs and leadership training, pole climbing school, general pole line construction, field equipment, tools and materials, and an introduction to transformers and grounding. You will also complete certifications that include:

• Bucket Rescue
• Pole Top Rescue
• First Aid
• CPR
• Climbing
• OSHA-10 Safety
• Digger Derrick
• Chainsaw Safety & Maintenance

The Electrical Lineworker program at TWS is consistent with the national standards for the electric power generation, distribution, and transmission industry as described in the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration². The courses that make up this program’s curriculum include:

OSHA and Compliance Training

This course prepares you for certification exams for your OSHA-10 card, American Red Cross Public Safety Two Year Certification, Bucket Escape, Pole Top Rescue, Bucket Rescue 1-year qualification, and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Flagger certification

Job Briefs and Leadership Training

An introduction to job briefs from leadership positions with practical job hazard analysis, mitigation and implementing direct controls, and clear communication.

Pole Climbing School

Learn proper techniques for safely climbing utility poles. You will also become proficient at assembling, inspecting, wearing, and using climbing tools.

General Pole Line Construction

Study construction standard drawings in a hands-on setting. Also, enjoy an introduction to pole line construction and everyday tasks in the field.

Field Equipment, Tools, and Materials

Learn how to complete pre-flights and set up and operate a Digger Derrick and Bucket Truck. Other tools reviewed in this course include ladders, chainsaws, and hotsticks.

Introduction to Transformers and Grounding

An introduction to transformers and distribution methods and how connections distribute power.

Step #5: Find a Lineman Job

As mentioned above, our program includes courses that cover job briefs and leadership training. But, the best part about attending the Lineman program at TWS is that we help you find a job after graduation. We help match you with employers in the Jacksonville area looking for work-ready graduates.

Want to Learn More?

Because becoming a lineworker is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. Many people invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as professionals.

To learn more about our Electrical Lineworker program  contact us at Tulsa Welding School or call (214) 227-9911.

1. https://floridajobs.org/news-center/DEO-Press/2023/05/19/the-florida-department-of-economic-opportunity-announces-the-jacksonville-area-april-2023-employment-data
2. https://www.osha.gov/