Electrical Lineworker
The Electrical Lineworker Program is designed to train individuals who seek to become entry-level electrical line workers for private and public utility companies and related employers. Students will learn the academic and field skills necessary for entry-level positions. Safety is stressed in every aspect of the coursework. Students will have the opportunity to earn certificates for National Flagger, T&D OSHA 10, CPR-First Aid, Pipes Plus 811, NCCER Core, Electrical Line Workers Level 1 and 2, and 360 hr. Pre-Apprenticeship. This program is approved for national certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and for Pre-Apprentice credit by the N.C. Community College System and Department of Labor and credit towards their state and nationally recognized journeyman credentials.
Occupation Description
Participants will learn the skills and knowledge required of a line crew helper. They will learn to set and climb poles, install crossarms, hardware, line, and transformers. They will learn how to use various tools and equipment of the trade through actual field experience. Overhead and underground construction practices will also be taught along with associated subjects such as basic electricity, transformers, etc. Classroom training will cover safety, electrical theory, interviewing skills, and the importance of attitude and teamwork to succeed in today’s work environment. Participants will be exposed to classroom instruction along with physically demanding outdoor construction work in varying weather conditions. Students will be assigned to crews for the more demanding tasks and for actual crew experience. Safety and teamwork will be stressed throughout the course. Participants will be expected to become accustomed to heights while pole climbing and to complete a variety of tasks while on the pole.
Additional Information
Technical Standards for Electrical Lineworker
Careers Available
Lineworker, Groundsman, and Supervisor.
Entry-Level Salary
North Carolina – $18.00 – $25.00 per hour. *Average salaries may vary with company, position and location.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion students should be able to:
- Operate work vehicles.
- Install, maintain, or repair the power lines that move and distribute electricity.
- Identify defective devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches.
- Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.
- String power lines between poles, towers, and buildings.
- Climb poles and transmission towers and use truck-mounted buckets to get to equipment.
- Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers, and lines.
- Follow safety standards and procedures.
Admission Requirements
To apply for admission into the program, the applicant must have the following prerequisites and physical health requirements. Additionally, all students must attend and successfully complete a mandatory class offered monthly. This is a one day, four-hour orientation titled, HRD: Introduction to Electrical Lineworker. Once complete, you will be placed on a chronological waitlist. If you choose to move forward you will then be contacted to register for the full program as courses are scheduled and space becomes available.
Enrollment is limited and based on a first come, first serve basis.
Prerequisites
- A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
- Must be at least 18 years old by the first day of classes to enroll.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Weigh less than 275lbs.
- No felonies. This may significantly prohibit employment opportunities in the industry.
- Successfully complete the HRD: Introduction to Electrical Lineworker class, offered monthly. Call 336-734-7023 for registration information and course dates.
ATTENTION VETERANS
If you plan to use your VA benefits, please call our VA Officer, Paige Lee, at 336-734-7403 as soon as possible. In addition, if using benefits, you must submit your high school and any college transcripts 30 days prior to registering as follows:
Attn: Northwest Forsyth Center
Amanda Sattler
Forsyth Tech
2100 Silas Creek Parkway,
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
If you do not plan to use your benefits, you may register and pay the $276 registration fee after receiving approval.
Physical Health
- Must be able to lift 75 lbs. Materials and equipment will be lifted off of machinery, shelving, and the ground.
- Must be able to operate safely while being aware of your surroundings.
- Must be able to work in an elevated position.
- Must be able to handle strenuous activities such as pulling, climbing, walking, carrying, or standing for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to work in any weather condition safely.
- Must be physically and mentally able to operate vehicles such as a bucket truck, digger truck, trencher, etc.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee $180.00, Tech Fee $5.00, Supply Fee $50.00, OSHA Card $8.00 + First Aid Card $18.00, CAPS Fee $5.00, DOT Flagger manual $10 | $276.00 |
| Lineworker Boots (this amount or more depending on source) | $200.00 |
| Total Cost $476.00 |
|---|
(Note: Parking permits are available at Forsyth Tech’s Northwest Forsyth Center and West Campus Cashier.)
Forsyth Tech’s 11 week Lineworker program in King, which is offered four times throughout the year with a cap of 24 students per class. The program provides students with the academic and field skills necessary to qualify as entry-level line workers.
More than 80% of graduates from the program receive job offers upon completion. Pike Enterprises, an industry sponsor for the program, has hired nearly half of the graduates. Other employers include Duke Energy, American Lighting & Signalization, Utility Lines Construction Service, City of High Point and many others.
As its Lineworker program continues to grow, Forsyth Tech is attracting students from across the country, including New York, Ohio, Florida and California, who seek the quality training and employment opportunities the program offers.
Since it was first introduced in 2010, the program has trained just over 1500 new Electrical Lineworkers.
Course Schedule
| Course# | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| 156429 | 1/09/2023 | 3/28/2023 |
| 158943 | 4/03/2023 | 6/20/2023 |
| TBD | 6/26/2023 | 9/14/2023 |
| TBD | 9/18/2023 | 12/6/2023 |
Please call to inquire about course availability. These courses are in high demand and tend to fill quickly. For more information please call 336.734.7023.
