How to Become a Power Lineman in Connecticut
In Connecticut, there is a growing demand for electricians. Power lineman jobs and apprenticeships can be found all over the state. However, to become a full-fledged power lineman, you will be required to take classes and receive on the job training.
Becoming a journeyman power lineman is not something that occurs overnight. In fact, it will take roughly four years before you can become one. There is a lot to learn and most of it must be learned on the job.
Learning the trade
Much like any other job, you will need to learn about what you are doing first. For starters, you will need to go through 8,000 hours of on the job training. This will take about 4 years to complete. Also, the US Department of Labor requires a minimum of 144 hours spent in a classroom receiving instruction for apprentice programs. Only by completing both requirements will you be able to become a power lineman.
Getting the training that you need can be done in one of two ways. The first method is attending a technical college and getting experience by working an entry-level position with a state licensed contracting company. The other method is joining an apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship Programs
A common way to become a power lineman is by joining an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program will teach you what to do and how to do it. On the job training is a part of the program as well as classroom instruction. While you are being taught how to be a lineman, you can receive good pay and benefits.
Essentially, you will be working under a journeyman lineman to learn the skill. Every six months or so, there will be an advancement to the next step. There are seven steps in total. Each step increases your pay getting closer to the journeyman lineman’s rate of pay. Additionally, you can earn college credits in some apprenticeship programs.
Acquiring a journeyman license
Getting your journeyman power lineman license is the last step. To do so, an exam must be taken. The exam must be applied for within 30 days of finishing your apprenticeship. The exam is three and a half hours long and it has 80 questions. To pass the exam, a score of 70% or higher must be made. If you plan on becoming a power lineman, passing the exam is crucial. So, make sure you are getting the most out of your training. After you pass the exam, you will need to renew your license every year after. And, in Connecticut, electricians are required to complete continuing education credits before renewing their license.
There is a lot that needs to be done before you can become a power lineman. However, it is all definitely worth it. Being a power lineman is fulfilling work with great pay. In only four years’ time, you too can be a power lineman. In Connecticut, the need for electricians is growing. For as long as we use electricity, power lineman will be needed.