Looking to learn to be a power lineman or utility service worker in the Sunshine State?
Wondering about requirements, certifications, or things that you can do to get a leg up on other apprentices?
Now is a great time to pursue a career in linework. The median base salary in Florida for a lineman is $70,000 annually. This article will explain what you need to know to become a lineman in Florida.
To become a line man in the state of Florida, you have several options for education and training. You can go to your local IBEW, get information, and sign the books. Another option is to study the pre-apprenticeship portion by studying at a career center or community college. No matter how you choose to start your career make sure you enter a program that will educate you on the following:
- It should have been created in conjunction with area utilities and contractors.
- The program should include classroom and hands-on training even if the training is on-site rather than in the field.
- It should develop you mentally as a problem solver and develop your communications and team working abilities.
- Your technical training should include Climbing School, Electrical Fundamentals, AC Theory, Line Worker Tools, Measurements, Hardware, Basic Arithmetic/Math, and Transformation Theory.
- You should also obtain at a minimum the following certifications: OSHA 10-hour, First Aid/CPR Certification, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Programs through community colleges and career and technical centers are usually available to be funded through WIOA, Youth Programs, and other reemployment assistance programs.
To enter a program, you will need to pass a DOT Physical and a Drug Screen. Programs through IBEW (union) will be much longer, but you will be paid as long as you are working.
Electrical Lineman Jobs in Florida
The Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System examination (CAST) is the most typical test to take for an apprentice or pre-apprentice position in Florida. You should still try to find out which test your the company or municipality that you want to work for will use. There are several other tests such as MASS and practice tests for those can also be found at the link below.
The Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System examination (CAST). This test consists of 110 questions and is about 90 minutes long. There is no single “passing score.” The company or municipality that you are applying to will set their own score cutoffs for a given position so it important to do your very best. You can take a practice test here with the following login information:
Username: Reno
Password: Tahoe
You can look for jobs here.
Job Outlook for Line workers in Florida
Over the next decade, it is projected that there will be 8% job growth in the field. There is a great demand for power linemen and telecommunications workers and salaries reflect this. The national average base pay only for lineworkers is $70K annually and with the fluctuations in southern weather plenty of overtime can be had so you should typically make above six-figures.
Conclusion
Line work is not for everyone. If you think you have what it takes and are willing to learn more look at what jobs are available. See if you can get some climbing practice in if you know a lineman or at a school. If you want it go out and get it.
Looking For Information On Nearby States?
You might also be interested in learning about the options in the surrounding states:
Georgia