A lineman needs formal education and several hours of on-the-job training.
Electrical linemen install and maintain complex networks of lines and cables, according to the "Occupational Outlook Handbook" of the U.S. Department of Labor. The book predicts good job prospects for such technicians from 2008 through 2018. To work as a lineman, you will need formal instruction and several hours of on-the-job training. Many community colleges and training centers in Pennsylvania offer programs in electricity.
Northeastern Joint Apprentice and Training
The Northeastern Joint Apprentice and Training program in Douglassville trains aspiring students in Pennsylvania and several other states. To enroll, students should be 18 years and pass an aptitude test. Upon acceptance, they have to pass the Department of Transportation's physical and drug-screening tests. Based on the curriculum of the National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee, students receive classroom instruction, self-study materials and hands-on training. NEAT requires learners to complete 7,000 hours of study, formal training and an examination for graduation.
Northeastern Joint Apprentice and Training
1513 Ben Franklin Highway
Douglassville, PA 19518
610-326-2860
neat1968.org
Penn Foster Workforce Development
Penn Foster Career School offers high school and technical training programs accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. The Workforce Development is a part of Penn Foster's Business and Industrial Division, which offers several career-development training programs, including lineman training.
The electrical lineman training meets the standards of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. The curriculum focuses on basic math skills, electric principles, lineman skills, equipment knowledge and electric power distribution, among other topics. Learners can customize courses according to their career preferences. Fields of specialization include power line design, lineman, cableman and construction specialist.
Penn Foster - Workforce Development
P.O. Box 3957
Scranton, PA 18505
800-233-0259
workforcedevelopment.com
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers 27 nationally accredited programs and 90 degree programs at its main campus. The university's Venango campus offers 13 associate degree programs, including a two-year Associate of Applied Science in industrial technology. The course is a collaboration of the university and FirstEnergy, "one of the largest electric utility systems in the country," according to the university's website.
Students go through orientation, technical evaluation, testing, a background check and physical capabilities assessment. The university invites the top candidates to the Wood Pool Climbing School, where they learn the basics of climbing poles. Learners have to complete courses in basic math, physical science and microcomputers along with several hours of industrial field training.
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
840 Wood Street
Clarion, PA 16214
800-672-7171
clarion.edu
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