The Electrical Lineman Program is designed to train persons that wish to become entry-level electrical line workers for private and public utility companies and related employers. Students will learn academic and field skills necessary for entry-level workers. Safety is stressed in every aspect of the job. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a Career Readiness Certificate. This course is offered in cooperation with The Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction.
Occupation Description
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Careers Available
Lineman, Groundsman, and Supervisor.
Entry-Level Salary
North Carolina - $14.00 - $18.00 per hour
Learning Objectives
Upon completion students should be able to:
- Identify and describe the functions of various electrical apparatus and power systems
- Identify safe working conditions including protective gear needed
- Calculate strains and stresses applied to ropes and blocks
- Discuss the differences in direct and alternating (DC & AC) current
- Apply Ohm’s law to practical problems
- Describe the application of personal protective grounding
- Field test rubber gloves
- Identify system voltage, nameplate voltage ratings and customer voltage needed to properly install transformers or transformer banks
- Climb wood poles and steel structures
- Perform first aid and CPR operations to certification standards
- Identify distribution materials
- Identify, tie and determine application of various type knots
- Perform basic math calculations as pertaining to electrical calculations and/or company entrance examinations
- Identify safety hazards, material needs and job tasks through safety/job briefings
- Identify safe working loads for rigging applications
- Identify live-line tools and equipment and their proper usage
- Discuss the operation of distribution transformers
- Discuss and apply state and/or federal OSHA regulations pertaining to power delivery
- Perform a pole top and aerial lift rescue
- Discuss and/or demonstrate effective customer service skills
- Perform pole mounted and pad mounted transformer change outs
- Identify why teamwork is important to linemen and companies
- Identify the characteristics of a successful team member
- Discuss energized and de-energized methods of working on transmission and distribution power lines
- Identify clearance procedures (turning power lines off)
- Describe, discuss and/or perform fused disconnect operations
- Clean and test distribution protective grounds
- Identify live-line tools and underground clearance procedures
- Complete work order construction projects on overhead and underground systems using specification books, job prints and safety manuals
- Review areas needed for a Class A CDL permit
- Identify minimum approach distances
- Perform cross arm change outs
- Identify the steps of successful conflict resolution
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques
- Demonstrate effective listening skills
- Discuss two important job retention strategies
- Discuss the importance of effective customer service
- Identify the importance of a professional image
Recommended Courses and Skills
Active listening, monitoring, critical thinking, troubleshooting, active learning, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, operation monitoring, operation and control, quality control analysis, repairing, and speaking.
Helpful Personal Attributes
Near vision, problem sensitivity, arm-hand steadiness, multi-limb coordination, oral comprehension.
Program Contact
Bill Adams
Director, Occupational Education
Forsyth Technical Community College
2100 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC
27103-5197
336.734.7762
