15 Best Trade Schools for Lineman in 2023

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a lineworker? Trade schools can provide the training and hands-on experience needed to enter this in-demand field. To help you find the right school, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best trade schools for lineman in 2023.

These schools offer comprehensive programs, experienced instructors, and job placement assistance to ensure you receive the best education and training to succeed in your future career. Discover the top trade schools for lineman and take the first step towards a fulfilling and well-paying career in the energy industry.

Enrolling in a line worker training program ensures line workers get a head start on their careers. By giving a solid foundation in the fundamentals, knowledge, lineman tools, and skills.

Who is a Lineman?
What Does a Lineman Do?
How Long is Lineman School?
Is Becoming a Lineman Hard?
Trade Schools for Lineman
FAQs – Trade Schools for Lineman
Conclusion
References
We Also Recommend

Who is a Lineman?

A lineman is a professional who specializes in installing and maintaining electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They work on high voltage power lines and electrical equipment to ensure safe and reliable electricity distribution. Linemen are trained to work on energized electrical systems, climb poles and towers, and perform various electrical tasks such as installing transformers, repairing electrical faults, and replacing damaged equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring the power grid functions properly and that communities have access to electricity.

What Does a Lineman Do?

A lineman is a skilled tradesperson who is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power transmission and distribution systems. Some of the key duties and responsibilities of a lineman include:

Installing and maintaining electrical power lines, transformers, and other electrical equipment
Climbing poles and towers to install and repair electrical components
Repairing electrical faults and malfunctions in the power grid
Replacing damaged electrical equipment and components
Testing and maintaining electrical equipment to ensure safety and reliability
Communicating with supervisors, team members, and customers to ensure efficient and effective service
Adhering to safety protocols and regulations to minimize risk of injury or electrical hazards

Linemen work in challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions, so it’s important that they have strong technical and physical skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team and follow safety procedures.

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How Long is Lineman School?

The length of lineman school can vary, but most programs last between 6 to 24 months. This depends on factors such as the level of training (apprenticeship or certification program), the curriculum, and the type of institution offering the program.

For example, a basic lineman apprenticeship program can last up to 4 years, while a certification program in a technical school or community college might only last 6 months to a year.

It’s important to note that the length of the program will also depend on the individual’s own pace of learning and their ability to meet the program’s requirements.

Is Becoming a Lineman Hard?

Becoming a lineman can be a challenging and demanding job, but it can also be rewarding for those who are willing to put in the effort and time required to achieve their goals. To become a lineman, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program, which can last anywhere from two to five years. During this time, you will learn the skills and techniques required to work safely and effectively on power lines and other electrical infrastructure.

The apprenticeship program usually involves both on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and you will need to pass tests and meet other requirements to demonstrate your competence and progress. Physical fitness is also an important aspect of the job, as linemen often need to climb poles and towers, carry heavy equipment, and work in a variety of weather conditions.

So, while becoming a lineman can be hard, it is also a rewarding career choice for those who have a strong work ethic, a desire to learn, and a passion for helping to maintain and improve the electrical infrastructure that powers our communities.

Trade Schools for Lineman

Here are our top picks on the best trade schools for lineman in 2023:

1. North American Line Center (NALC)

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North American Line Center is in Tennessee, Mcewen. To provide education for workers in a sector that will soon experience a wave of retirements, Gary Roberts established NALC in 2006.

The North American Lineman Center aims to train the upcoming generation of linemen in the safest, most thorough manner possible. Experienced journeymen rather than safety officers, internal electricians, or theoretical engineers teach the course material.

The institute takes pride in its smaller size because it ensures students get a more thorough hands-on education than its rivals and a lower instructor-to-student ratio. The 20-acre NALC campus in northern Tennessee, which has an indoor training facility, is expanding.

The complete range of topics required for a career in linework, including transmission, distribution, conversion, transformers, underground, and more, are covered in the lineworker program. The school also provides financial aid and certifies veterans for G.I. Bill benefits.

2. Northwest Lineman College

Website: Northwest Lineman College

Northwest Lineman College is one of the oldest and most comprehensive lineworker schools. Since its inception in 1993 by Aaron Howell, Gerald McKie, and Shane Porter, it has grown to four campuses across the country.

Northwest Lineman College trains thousands of people in electric power, telecommunications, and natural gas.

Northwest Lineman College (NLC) educates students in knowledge, skills, and behavior.

This model shapes every academic course, competency standard for skills, and expectation for behavior. You’ll graduate from the Electrical Lineworker Program with the following certifications: First Aid, CPR, Climbing, Pole-top Rescue, Metering, Enclosed Space Rescue, Aerial Lift Rescue, Digger Derrick Safety, and OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety and Health ET&D card.

3. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

Website: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

This Academy intends to give students a thorough training experience utilizing the best work practices, tools, equipment, and standards. They are one of the top lineman schools. They offer a variety of infrastructure courses, including an electrical and telecommunications lineworker program.

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service offers programs in infrastructure and safety, law enforcement and protective services, business and cyber solutions, and fire and emergency services.

The Academy provides practical classroom and field training through a top-notch curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and specialized tools and facilities. Students will have the skills necessary to operate equipment and scale poles after graduating from the Academy. They will receive their Basic First Aid and CPR Certification, their OSHA 10-Hour ET&D Construction Card, and be eligible to apply for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Also, see: 15 Best Trade Schools For Cosmetology in 2023

4. Ohio Lineman’s Training Center

Website: Ohio Lineman’s Training Center

The Ohio Lineman’s Training Center, a branch of Owens Community College, provides the NECA-IBEW Electrical Lineman Apprentice Program. The Ohio Lineman Training Center is among the top trade schools for linemen.

This program prepares students to work as apprentice linemen, such as electricians. The school was established in 1928 and has been providing guidance ever since.

Every semester, over 2,000 students attend its campus in Columbus, Ohio.

5. Southeast Lineman Training Center

Website: Southeast Lineman Training Center

Founded in 1999, Southeast Lineman Training Center is a vocational school that offers training courses for those looking to work in the power line. They have two electrical line-worker programs and two communications line-worker programs given regularly.

George Nelson established the institution to help the lineworker sector meet its demand for more qualified entry-level workers.

The school offers a 15-week electrical worker program and a 7-week communications worker program.

It offers certification, academic training, practical training, and training for a range of businesses. Additionally, this program gives transmission, substation, and CDL on the large campus. One of the top trade schools for linemen is the SLTC.has

6. Center for Employment Training (CET)

Website: Center for Employment Training

CET is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of programs to help train workers for the construction industry. It has been around since 1967 and is one of Atlanta’s oldest trade schools For Linemen.

CET offers on-site and online training options for apprenticeship students who want to learn about wiring and conduit systems and electrical equipment such as lights, switches, and outlets.

7. Alaska Electrical Apprenticeship

Website: Alaska Electrical Apprenticeship

The Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Trust offers training in several classifications of the electrical industry: Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, Outside Power Lineman, and Telecommunications Worker (Telephone/Data).

The Alaska Electrical Apprenticeship aims to produce Alaska’s best-trained and most qualified electrical workers.

8. Apex Technical School

Website: Apex Technical School

The Electrical & Advanced Electrical program ensures students learn about the National Electric Code.

It offers courses in residential wiring, breakers and fuses, grounding, bonding, splicing, currents, outlets, blueprints, electrical safety, and more.

They provide Electrical & Advanced Electrical segments full-time courses during the day and part-time courses in the evening.

In each unit, students split their time equally between learning electrical theory in the classroom and putting it into practice in the shop.

9. Berk Trade and Business School

Website: Berk Trade and Business School

Berk Trade and Business School, established in 1940, is one of the oldest trade and vocational schools.

Irving Berk founded the school and dedicated it to trade and vocational education.

With 111 undergraduate students enrolled, it is a small institution.

10. Penn College

Website: Penn College

Penn College offers a comprehensive range of advanced training to help prepare workers for the electricity industry.

Penn College offers a comprehensive yet simple-to-use skills gap identification tool, enabling training targeted to maximize line improvement.

In-depth apprenticeship programs are offered all over the country by Penn College. If you want to start an apprenticeship program, Penn College will create a plan, especially for you.

11. Lineman Institute of the Northeast

Website: Lineman Institute of the Northeast

The Lineman Institute of the Northeast is among the top trade schools for linemen. Northeast school with an electrical lineman training program that prioritizes lower student-to-instructor ratios.

People looking to acquire the fundamental knowledge required to begin a career as an apprentice lineman can do so at the Lineman Institute of the Northeast, which serves as a one-stop shop.

12. Professional Cable Splicing School

Website: Professional Cable Splicing School

The Professional Cable Splicing School is one of the best trade schools for linemen. It is situated in Atlanta, Georgia, and provides a 12-month course of study.

If you’re interested in this trade, but lack experience or a background in electrical work, this program could be a great place to start!

13. ABC Utah Craftsmanship Training Program

Website: ABC Utah Craftsmanship Training Program

ABC Utah is a non-profit organization founded in 1983, offering classes at its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah craftsmanship training program is one of the best trade schools for Linemen. Their training program focuses on Lineman fundamentals and safety procedures.

ABC Utah has a 100% job placement rate for all students who complete their program successfully.

14. Power Test, Inc. Construction and Skilled Trades Training Center

A company called Power Test offers electrical industry training. It has campuses in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Power Test is one of the best lineman trade schools. It has a 100% job placement rate for students hired within six months of graduation, thanks to its structured program that includes hands-on learning experience at work.

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15. School of Electrical Education

Website: School of Electrical Education

The School of Electrical Education is committed to educating and training people who have the desire to work in the electrical construction and maintenance industries. The students indulge in a training program that combines rigorous practical training with electrical theory instruction.

Additionally, safety, supplies methods are covered in class instruction. When students practice their knowledge on simulated mock-ups, lessons become a reality. Students are guided by a faculty of working professionals with up-to-date subject knowledge. Students gain satisfaction and confidence from this unique program.

FAQs – Trade Schools for Lineman

Do linemen get paid well?

Linemen can earn good salaries, particularly those with experience and specialized skills. The median annual wage for lineworkers in the United States was $68,190 in May 2020. Pay can also vary depending on the industry and geographic location.

Do all linemen have to travel?

Traveling for work can be a common requirement for some lineman positions, particularly for those who work in the power transmission and distribution industry. However, not all lineworkers are required to travel, it depends on the specific job and employer.

Are linemen in demand?

Yes, there is high demand for skilled lineworkers in many countries. Power and energy infrastructure development, as well as an aging workforce, are driving the need for new lineworkers.

Conclusion

Becoming a lineworker can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice, and trade schools can provide the education and training needed to succeed in the field. With a high demand for skilled lineworkers and a range of trade schools offering comprehensive programs, now is a great time to consider pursuing this career path. By researching and comparing the 15 best trade schools for lineman in 2023, you can make an informed decision and take the first step towards a bright future in this dynamic industry.