How to Become A Lineworker in Arizona
Attend a Training Program.
To become a line worker in the freight industry, you must attend an apprenticeship program.
All states have a specific agency that oversees apprenticeship programs, but each one operates differently. In some states, it’s up to the trades council. In others, it’s up to every individual employer within the state to set up their own apprenticeship program. The apprentice is required to do several hours of on-the-job training before they graduate from the program.
While there are numerous programs available (all with different requirements), there are two main types of apprenticeships:
- On-the-Job Apprenticeships – This type of training consists of a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at a workplace or facility recognized by the states’ labor department as an apprentice-type occupation that requires certification for professional practice. The type and length of this education varies by state. If your state doesn’t require an on-the-job apprenticeship, you can still get work in this field through an on-the job training program offered through community colleges or vocational schools across your state; however they typically don’t require any kind of certification beyond getting high school diploma or GED.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs are available through the Arizona Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (AJATC). International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association joint apprenticeship program. The program is designed to train workers for a career as an electrician. Students will attend classes twice a week, learn basic skills on the job, and take part in specialized training programs. Apprentices typically earn a wage while completing their studies. After completing the 5-year program, students are prepared to take state licensing exams. In most cases, these programs are offered by local community colleges in conjunction with the AZJATC.
Community College
Line workers in Arizona have a number of educational options. The Arizona Community College has certificate programs in power systems technology, power line worker and electrical construction, as well as associate degrees in electrical technology, powerline technology and electrical construction. Dual enrollment programs are available for high school students interested in pursuing the power system technology or power line worker certificate. Apprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training for those already working in the field.
The International Lineman’s Training Center based in Tucson, Arizona.
The International Lineman’s Training Center is based in Tucson, Arizona. The address is 151 W. Farmington Road, Catalina, AZ 85739. Programs offered include:
- Apprentice Lineman
- Aerial Rescue
- Basic Groundman
- Basic Pole Climbing and Pole Top Rescue
- Substation Apprenticeship
- Substation Electrician
- Substation Technician
Many of the largest electric utility companies in Arizona offer apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring lineworkers.
Many of the largest electric utility companies in Arizona offer apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring lineworkers. These include:
- APS (Arizona Public Service)
- SRP (Salt River Project)
- TEP (Tucson Electric Power)
- UNS (Unisource Energy Services)
- Trico Electric Cooperative
- Marana Water
Some of the largest telecommunications companies offer apprenticeships for line workers as well.
Cox is a telecommunications company that provides telephone, Internet and cable services to customers in Arizona. According to its website, the company’s apprenticeship program offers the opportunity for candidates to learn about communications and electrical systems while working with experienced line workers. Apprentices enter the program by first completing an application with the company, then taking and passing a written test. If you’re accepted into their apprenticeship program, you work full-time as a line worker while receiving on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. After successfully completing your two-year apprenticeship, you’ll have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in telecommunications and be eligible for promotion to journeyman level.
Some of the largest renewable energy companies also have apprenticeship opportunities.
Aspiring linemen who want to work in the renewable energy sector can also pursue apprenticeships through companies that produce solar power, wind power, geothermal power and hydropower. Some of the largest renewable energy companies also have opportunities for aspiring linemen. For example, Exelon Generation Company LLC provides a four-year apprenticeship program in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547. This includes on-the-job training along with mentoring and classroom instruction. The company is headquartered in Chicago but has offices throughout California and the U.S., including several large facilities in Arizona.
You will need to pass the Journeyman Wireman examination before you can work as a line worker in Arizona.
- You will need to pass the Journeyman Wireman examination before you can work as a line worker in Arizona.
- The exam is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- You can take this exam up to three times per year.
- The exam consists of 100 questions, which are based on the 2017 National Electrical Code.
- If you score at least 75% on the test, then you will pass it.
To apply for the examination, you are required to pay a $150 fee and provide proof that you have had either four years or 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice line worker or completed your training at a Department of Labor-approved line worker school program.
Private electrical contractors may provide certain benefits such as health insurance, paid time off and profit sharing.
Benefits of working directly for an electrical contractor vary based on the company and the contract.
Some private electrical contractors may provide benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and profit sharing.
Before accepting this position, make sure to check with the company you are applying to for details on the benefits they offer.
According to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lineman earn an annual mean salary of $70,240 in Arizona.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lineman in Arizona earn a mean annual salary of $70,240. That number varies greatly by city and industry, with an average wage ranging from just under $40,000 in Flagstaff to around $105,000 in Phoenix. The other main factor affecting a lineman’s earnings is education level and experience—those who received bachelor’s degrees typically earn more than those who didn’t receive any higher education at all. Men consistently earn more overall than women during all stages of their careers (and in every city), but they are paid less on average than women with similar backgrounds and experience. On average, linemen make more money if they work for private companies ($18 per hour) rather than public companies ($14 per hour).
There are a number of options for becoming a line worker in Arizona
When it comes to deciding how to train for this desired career, you have some options.
Some training programs include apprenticeships and community college.
Apprenticeships involve working with an experienced line worker who can teach you the ropes, so to speak.
These are usually paid positions, but when your apprenticeship ends, you might be able to return as a line worker without needing further education or testing.
Community college is another way of achieving your goals while also equipping yourself with skills that will allow you to obtain other forms of employment in case the power goes out once and for all.