How to Become an Electrical Lineman in Wisconsin

Becoming an electrical lineman in Wisconsin isn't easy.

An electrical lineman is also referred to as a journeyman lineman, a power lineman or a utility lineman. Electrical linemen generally work with power and telecommunications lines. Electrical linemen install, maintain and repair distribution and transmission electric power grids. They also work on conductors, high-voltage wires and electric poles and have to follow certain safety rules. The job itself is inherently dangerous. To become an electrical lineman in Wisconsin, there are certain steps and measures you must follow.

Instructions

1. Go online to research electrical lineman schools that are close to your residence in Wisconsin. Electrical lineman schools in the state include: Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville; Northwest Lineman College in Madison; Milwaukee Career College and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Evaluate the programs, the costs, the length of the training programs and comments of online visitors to find the school that is the best fit.

2. Get in shape. Every electrical lineman school in Wisconsin includes a physical examination that requires you to climb poles.

3. Get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). You will need one to drive the big trucks used by electrical linemen. Schools offering CDL classes in Wisconsin are: Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton; Millis Training Institute in Cartersville; Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire; Millis Training Institute in Hamilton; Roehl Driver Training Center in Marshfield; Millis Training Institute in Richfield; Associated Training Services of Wisconsin in Sun Prairie; Diesel Truck Driver School in Sun Prairie and the Professional CDL Training Institute in Waukesha.

4. Purchase the necessary tools. You will need a body belt, climbers, hand tools and a ladder. You can get some tools at electrical lineman school.

5. Apply for an electrical lineman apprenticeship, which lasts 3 to 4 years. During the apprenticeship, you will be taught pole climbing, rigging techniques, electrical theory, pole setting, how to use rubber protective equipment, safety and first aid, transformer hook-up and wire-stringing techniques. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development provides a list of the cities that have lineman apprenticeship programs.

6. Work your way up from the apprenticeship program to become a journeyman lineman. You must be able to cope with different types of weather conditions and long hours as you work closely with supervisors and experienced journeyman linemen.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't afford electrical lineman training school, you can apply for financial aid from the U.S. government by filling out a FAFSA form.

• Follow safety procedures at all times during the training.

References

• CVTips: How to Become an Electrical Lineman
• Electrical Lineman: Electrical Lineman Description
• PENN Foster: Electrical Lineman Training
• Lineman Jobs: What is Apprentice Lineman Jobs?
• Southwestern Line Constructions: Apprentice Lineman Job Description
• MotorSports Employment: Wisconsin Truck Driving Schools

Resources

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Apprenticeship Standards Bureau Contacts