How to Become a Journeyman Lineman

Electrical companies utilize journeyman linemen to get line work done quickly without excessive costs. Journeymen cannot leap from high school or technical education onto the electrical lines without proper training. Your career as a journeyman lineman allows you to become an expert in electrical line work in a gradual learning environment.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Tool belt
• Climbing harness

1. Expand your knowledge of electricity by pursuing courses in electrical engineering at a vocational school. Lineman positions do not require education beyond high school, but you can accelerate your training with a few courses in the nature of electricity. You can register for courses on weekends or nights to work around your schedule.

2. Start your lineman career as a ground man with a local electrical company. Ground men work at the entry level of the electrical industry and observe linemen in action until they are deemed ready to begin work. Your job as a ground man requires filling the truck with proper tools and other menial tasks that help linemen focus on their jobs.

3. Proceed to the first step apprentice level after you have completed the role as ground man. First-step apprentices typically practice climbing and working on poles that have no voltage to practice daily tasks.

4. Advance to the second step of your apprenticeship after several months at the first level. Your experience as a second-level apprentice entails climbing up low voltage poles without actually handling power lines or equipment.

5. Begin your work as a lineman by continuing to the third level of your apprenticeship. Your work at this level requires you to handle and repair secondary lines or low voltage equipment with the use of proper safety equipment. Success in this step helps you become a better journeyman lineman because you gain practical experience.

6. Complete your apprenticeship with work at the fourth level of preparation. Your tasks at this level include the use of a cherry picker to reach primary lines for the purpose of repairs. Your proficiency at this level means you are ready to work as a journeyman lineman.

7. Participate in professional development opportunities offered by your union. These sessions are facilitated by experienced linemen and include lessons on workplace safety, new repair techniques and tools that help make your job easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice climbing small trees and starter walls before you become a journeyman lineman. Linemen often need to climb up and down electrical poles in an emergency. In addition to nearby forests, you can use rock climbing schools in your region to help you learn proper climbing techniques.