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Electrical linemen keep the power grid running. They install, maintain and repair power lines so electricity is delivered safely and reliably to communities. This is for you if you like hands-on work, problem solving and working outdoors in a physically demanding yet rewarding environment.
What Does an Electrical Lineman Do?
Electrical linemen (also known as lineworkers or powerline technicians) install, maintain and repair electrical power systems, including transmission and distribution lines. They make sure homes, businesses and industries get electricity. Linemen work in all kinds of conditions, often outdoors and at heights, with high voltage power lines.
Key Responsibilities of an Electrical Lineman
Installing Power Lines
Electrical linemen set up new power lines, above ground on poles or underground in conduits. This involves climbing poles or using bucket trucks to put wires in place. They assemble and secure transformers, cross-arms and insulators. They pull and connect high voltage electrical cables. For example when a new residential area is being developed, linemen install power poles, run electrical wires and connect to the main grid.
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Maintaining and Repairing Electrical Lines
Regular maintenance prevents power outages and keeps electrical systems safe. Linemen inspect wires and equipment for damage, replace old or faulty parts like insulators or transformers and do preventative maintenance to minimize outages. A lineman may do a scheduled inspection of power lines in a storm prone area to find weak points and reinforce connections before hurricane season.
Restoring Power After Outages
Linemen work fast to get electricity back on after storms, accidents or technical failures. This involves finding and isolating the cause of the outage and repairing downed power lines or replacing damaged poles. They work long shifts under emergency conditions to get power back to homes and businesses. For example, after a big storm knocks down power lines, linemen work around the clock to replace poles, rewire connections and get service back to thousands of affected customers.
Working with High Voltage Equipment
Linemen work with electrical systems that carry thousands of volts. They must use insulated tools and protective gear to avoid electrocution. They must follow strict safety protocols to handle live electrical currents. They also coordinate with engineers and utility companies to ensure proper voltage distribution. While repairing a live power line a lineman wears rubber gloves, uses hot sticks and follows procedures to work on live circuits.
Installing and Maintaining Underground Power Systems
Not all power lines are above ground. Linemen dig trenches or use boring equipment to install underground cables in many urban areas. They test and repair buried power lines with minimal disruption to roads and buildings. They may also work in confined spaces like underground vaults or tunnels. In a city with underground power lines, linemen use specialized equipment to find a faulty cable and fix it without digging up the whole street.
Operating Heavy Machinery
Linemen use equipment like bucket trucks to access high voltage lines, cranes to install poles and cable pullers and tensioners to handle big electrical wires. When installing new transmission lines linemen may use cranes to lift heavy transformers onto poles while another team connects the wire.
Ensuring Electrical Safety Compliance
Safety is a big part of the job. Linemen must follow OSHA1 and industry safety standards, conduct safety briefings before starting hazardous tasks and train in emergency response procedures. For example before working on a high voltage system a lineman and their crew will do a “tailboard meeting” to discuss potential hazards and safety measures.
How Do You Become an Electrical Lineman?
Becoming an electrical lineman requires specialized training, physical endurance and a good understanding of electrical systems. If you’re ready to start an exciting hands-on career in the utility industry, attending Tulsa Welding School (TWS) is a great way to get the training you need to get in the field fast.
Steps to Becoming an Electrical Lineman
Step #1: Get the Right Training at TWS
To become an electrical lineman you need technical skills and safety knowledge that can’t be learned on the job alone. At Tulsa Welding School our Electrical Lineworker Training Program gets you ready for the field in just 15 weeks.
Completing our hands on program will give you the foundation knowledge and real world experience to start your lineman career.
Step #2 Gain Field Experience
After training many linemen start as apprentices with utility companies, contractors or electrical cooperatives. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years where you’ll:
● Work alongside experienced linemen.
● Continue hands-on learning in real world settings.
● Gain certifications for advanced electrical work.
TWS helps students prepare for entry level positions where they can gain experience and grow in the trade.
Step #3: Get Industry Certifications
Not always required but having industry recognized certifications can make you a more competitive candidate. These may include:
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Often required for operating bucket trucks and heavy equipment.
OSHA 10 or 30 Certification: Shows your knowledge of workplace safety.
CPR & First Aid Training: Essential for working in hazardous environments.
TWS training aligns with industry standards so graduates have an edge in hiring.
Step #4: Start Your Lineman Career
After training and gaining experience you’ll be ready to work as a full fledged electrical lineman. Linemen work in many industries including:
● Utility companies (power distribution and transmission)
● Electrical contractors (private companies that install and maintain lines)
● Renewable energy (solar and wind farm installations)
● Municipal and government agencies
What Do You Learn in Lineman School?
A lineman school gives students the hands-on skills and technical knowledge to start a career in the electrical utility industry. A program at a lineman school includes:
Electrical Theory & Power Distribution – Covers the basics of electricity, circuits and how electrical power is generated, transmitted and distributed to homes and businesses.
Pole Climbing & Fall Protection – Teaches students how to safely climb and work on utility poles using climbing gear, harnesses and safety protocols.
Line Construction & Pole Framing – Students learn how to frame poles, install cross arms and attach insulators to support power lines.
Bucket Truck & Equipment Operation – Hands on training with bucket trucks, digger derricks and other machinery used for line installation and maintenance.
Transformer Installation & Maintenance – Covers how to install, troubleshoot and maintain electrical transformers used in power distribution.
Rigging & Handline Use – Focuses on the proper techniques for securing and lifting heavy electrical equipment safely.
OSHA Safety & First Aid Training – Ensures students understand workplace safety, electrical hazard prevention and emergency response techniques.These courses prepare students for entry-level lineman positions in the electrical industry, so they can work safely and efficiently in the field.
Why TWS for Lineman School?
Tulsa Welding School is the place to train if you want to get in and get to work as an electrical lineman quickly. Our Electrical Lineworker Training Program gives you the hands on skills and industry knowledge to get in the field fast.
Small class sizes, expert instructors and hands-on training that simulates job conditions. You’ll get comfortable working with high voltage equipment and ready for the field. Plus our industry connections help you pursue job opportunities after graduation.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to start your lineman career, Tulsa Welding School can help get you there in 15 weeks.
Learn More
Because being a lineman is a hands on job, technical training is required for anyone to get into this field. Many people invest in a trade program to learn the skills they need to be safe and effective as professionals.
To learn more about our Electrical Lineworker program at the Dallas Metro & Jacksonville, FL campus, contact us or call (214) 227-9911.
