See lots of guys asking about the path to becoming an apprentice/lineman. Found the trade late in life and it’s been a hell of an adventure so far. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Has provided the structure I needed to succeed as well as a really good living to support my family.
Stuck in my truck on standby so if you have any questions at all here we go!
How long did it take and cost? Also what’s your wage now? Just asking as i have a teen son who im not sure is cut out for college.
Well I’m still an apprentice. The program I am in is 7 steps. 6 months minimum per step and 1000 hours. Total of 7000 hours for the apprenticeship. With a layoff here and there which is normal for the industry it might take a little longer.
In terms of cost, you don’t need a line school to get in, but it can help. Really all you need is an unrestricted CDL with a tanker endorsement, flagger certification and first aid/cpr. Then your tools, which aren’t cheap. Figure around 2500 for all your hand tools and climbing gear.
I did the college route and worked white collar for a number of years. Hated working in an office and hated the people even more.
Are you afraid of heights?
I assume you might climb utility poles and also use bucket lifts? (I don't know the correct terminology)
How long have you been an apprentice? How long before you become a journeyman (that's the next one?) ?
Not afraid of heights. Spend a lot of time working out of my hooks and also in a bucket. If you use your ppe correctly you cannot fall. You might cut out and slide a little but if your shit is set correctly it will catch you. I’ve been an apprentice since the fall of 2023. I’ll get my ticket in the spring of 2027 if I don’t catch a long layoff between now and then.
Are you a Wichita Lineman?
Not from wichita and not a lineman yet
You’re not a lineman for the county?
Go ahead and just post the lyrics lol
Well, I was just wondering if you were drivin’ the main roads, just searchin' in the sun for another overload…
What is the internal chatter on the orange president trying to cancel mostly built wind power production? Seems very backwards and not something members should want
I just build powerlines and don’t follow politics at all. Not the best person to ask this.