On this page ...
Electric Line Worker Apprenticeship
Did you know?*
- Earnings are higher than in most other occupations that do not require postsecondary education.
- A growing number of retirements should create very good job opportunities, especially for electrical power-line installers and repairers.
- Line installers and repairers often work outdoors, and conditions can be hazardous.
- Most line installers and repairers require several years of long-term on-the-job training.
*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Does an Electric Line Worker Do?
Electric line workers install, remove, maintain, and repair electric overhead and underground distribution, sub-transmission, and transmission systems. They respond to 24 hour call out to restore electric service and ensure safety for protection of public and crews.
Tasks:
- Install/repair poles, wire and electrical equipment associated with overhead electrical distribution and transmission systems.
- Install/repair underground cable and electrical equipment associated with electrical distribution and transmission systems.
- Ensure public and crew safety, including: personal protection equipment and emergency procedures and training.
- Remain current with all construction, maintenance, safety and work methods, specifications, materials and practices.
- Drive a variety of motor vehicles and operates hydraulic equipment; for example: back hoe trenchers, bucket trucks and digger derricks.
- Use a variety of hand tools, including chain saws, shovels, drills and compression tools.
- Maintain electronic and paper records, reports, etc.
What Are the Working Conditions?
Electric line workers are required to work outdoors in all types of weather and are subject to 24-hour call. Most usually work a 40 hour week, but when severe weather damages power lines, they may work long and irregular hours to restore service.
How is the Training Structured?
- 4 year training program
- 8,000 hours on-the-job training
- 640 hours paid related instruction
- Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses and maintain certification throughout the apprenticeship
- Apprentice must in his/her final year complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course.
What are the Application Requirements?
- High school diploma
- Valid driver's license or reliable transportation
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) with an "A" endorsement or the ability to obtain a CDL
- Most employers test applicants for basic verbal, arithmetic and abstract reasoning skills
- Some employers test for physical ability, such as, balance, coordination, strength and mechanical aptitude
- Applicants apply directly to the electric utility
What Skills Should I Possess?
- Interpersonal Skills- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Communication Skills- Legible hand-writing, the ability to interact, communicate and have the ability to listen to and understand information from co-workers, customers, and other utility companies.
- Hearing and Vision- Physical ability to hear and use near and far vision.
- Work Ethic- Must show up fit for duty every day both at work and in the classroom.
- Judgment and Decision Making- Must be able to analyze situations based on available data, resolve problems, and make appropriate decisions for each situation.
- Physical Skills:
- Climbing, all structures; pole inspection, climbing poles, working on a pole.
- Stands in a hydraulic bucket at heights of approximately 40 feet or more installing transformers or lines.
- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, and/or lying down.
- Occasionally works with energized lines which must be handled according to NESC/OSHA/NEC and other appropriate state agency specifications and safety practices to avoid electric shock.
- Frequently lifts materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items that weigh up to 100 pounds. Assist in rescuing someone injured at pole top.
- Requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, twist upper body, climb hand over hand, and manipulate a variety of objects and tools.
Who Should I Contact In My Area?
Northeast
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Outagamie, Waupaca | Jane Kramer |
| Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, Wood | Debbie Fochs |
Northwest
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Washburn | Myra Stachowicz |
| Adams, Price, Taylor | Debbie Fochs |
Southeast
| Your County: | Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Winnebago | Jane Kramer |
| Columbia, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette | Debbie Schanke |
| Dane, Rock | Mary Pierce |
| Kenosha, Racine, Walworth | Sandy Brietzman |
| Waukesha | Bob Scheldroup Hafeezah Ahmad |
| Milwaukee | Kay Haishuk Hafeezah Ahmad |
| Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Sheboygan | Sandra Destree |
| Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington | Barb Robakowski |
Southwest
| Your County: | OR Contact Your BAS Representative: |
|---|---|
| Sauk | Debbie Schanke |
| Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempeleau, Vernon | Kathy O'Sullivan |
Additional Resources
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Electric Line Worker trade in the United States, visit:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos195.htm
Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook