Who Are Utility Line Workers?
Utility line workers, also known as powerline workers, are responsible for the installation and maintenance of powerlines that connect to electrical substations. They are also responsible for installing power lines outside of buildings in order to connect them to the main utilities supply. The work is done both indoors and outdoors. Since most utility line work is done outside, the work can be quite dangerous due to electricity or weather. Utility line workers often have to deal with live wires while they are repairing and maintaining power lines, which means they need special training in order to keep themselves safe when doing this type of work. In addition, many utility line workers must climb high towers where there may not be any safety equipment installed yet, so they must take extra precautions when working from heights like these as well!
While it might seem like a scary job at first glance (and it definitely is!), many utility line workers enjoy working for this industry because they get paid well and have excellent benefits such as healthcare coverage or retirement packages provided by their employer.
Training
While training is not mandatory to be hired as a utility line worker, it will make you a better candidate when applying for jobs. Training courses and programs are typically offered by electric utility companies and telecommunications companies. These courses give you the knowledge and skills needed to do basic tasks such as installing poles, running underground lines, and maintaining power lines. Many of these companies also offer apprenticeship programs so that you can learn from experienced utility line workers, in addition to gaining hands-on experience performing maintenance on utility lines.
Some states require certification for either all or some types of utility line workers. For example, in Hawaii there are three different license types: Class A (electric line work), Class B (telecommunications) and Class C (utility pole installation). In order to earn your Class A license in Hawaii, you must have at least five years of experience working with electrical utilities under direct supervision by a licensed journeyman electrician. You must also take an exam administered by the Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR). The other two licenses require similar state exams based on relevant work experience.
Apprenticeship
As more highly skilled workers retire, utility companies are facing a shortage of qualified workers. As an apprentice, you will be trained alongside experienced workers to meet this demand for skilled labor. Most utilities in Hawaii operate programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs typically take about four or five years to complete and require at least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Those interested in becoming utility line workers can inquire about apprenticeship programs through their local union by locating the nearest local using our union finder tool.
Community College
“Community college is often seen as a second tier option for people who may not have the advantage of going to a four year school, but that isn’t necessarily true. There are plenty of benefits to community colleges, and if you aren’t sure which one would be right for you, can help you identify the best options that fit your needs.”
Training Center
When you begin your training at the Training Center, you will receive hands-on coaching and practice in each of the crafts. Additionally, through our classroom instruction, you will learn about safety procedures and protocol as well as learn how to utilize testing equipment. Throughout your time in training, we’ll monitor your progress closely to ensure your success.
Once you have completed our utility line worker Hawaii program, you will be hired by Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Here you will be paired with a mentor who is an experienced journeyman for one year; at which point we hope to promote you to a journeyman in the Utility Line Worker field.
Electric Utility Companies Industry Profile
It may surprise you to find out that the electric utility companies industry is responsible for providing power to the homes, offices, and factories in your community. If you’ve always wanted a job that involves keeping your community running, a career as an electric utility company worker might just be for you.
Where Are Electric Utility Companies Found?
There are 51 electric utility companies operating in Hawaii currently. The states with the highest number of employed workers in this industry include New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Electric utility companies provide jobs to more than 37 million people across the United States. Of these more than 37 million employees, nearly 1 million work specifically in the electric utility companies industry.
Telecommunications Companies Industry Profile
If you want to get into the telecommunications industry in Hawaii, you should know that there are plenty of opportunities. The industry is booming and growing every day.
In general, the telecommunications industry is very competitive, but it’s especially competitive in Hawaii. Because of this, you’ll have to work even harder to get a job in this field than you might have to work on the mainland. The good news is that the industry is expanding rapidly, so if you don’t get hired right away by your top choice company or if they don’t offer you a position at all, try some other companies or keep applying until someone hires you.
The great thing about working in telecommunications is that it’s an ever-changing field and things never stay static for long. This means that there’s always something new going on and your experience as a utility line worker will always be interesting and dynamic.
How to Become a Utility Line Worker in Hawaii
So, you want to be a utility line worker in Hawaii? You’re lucky. You can’t beat the weather, the beautiful beaches, or our laidback attitude, so if you want to make a career out of repairing and maintaining the electricity that powers everything from your coffee maker to your Hawaiian vacations, this is the way to do it.
There are two ways to become a utility line worker: go straight through school—or don’t bother at all. And there are four paths you can take: 1) get an electrician’s license and then go through school; 2) study as an apprentice electrician with an electrical contractor before getting your license; 3) train right out of high school (this is probably not ideal unless you know what you’re doing); 4) enroll in a utility training program sponsored by the state of Hawaii or its contractors (includes apprenticeship options).
The first step is easy—get some experience. There’s no better way than building custom homes on Oahu or helping maintain power lines on Kauai. But if working construction isn’t for you, consider taking advantage of another aspect: military service opportunities. The U.S. offers many benefits to veterans that include federal student loan forgiveness and post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for college education programs like electrical engineering degrees at community colleges across the country.
Testing and Certification Requirements
The exam will cover the following topics:
- Calculations
- Transmission and distribution
- Safety, rigging and signals
- Reading blueprints and specifications
- Electrical equipment parts and operation (including transformers)
In order to perform well on this statewide exam, you should find a course that can help you prepare. Hawcc offers an 8-week, 100% online utility line worker trade school course that provides access to professionals with experience in the field who can guide you through your studies. We have helped hundreds of students pass their exam.
Benefits and Salary of a Utility Line Worker in Hawaii
If you are interested in becoming a utility line worker, you might also want to know what salary and benefits you can expect.
Utility line workers make between $40,000-70,000 per year. The exact salary depends on the employer, the location of the job, and how long they have been working there. If they work in a unionized environment they earn more than if they don’t work in one. Utility line workers generally receive medical and dental insurance as well as paid vacation time, sick days and retirement contributions from their employers. In many cases their employers also assist them with paying for continuing education related to their job.
Utility line workers typically work around 40 hours per week during regular business hours but do often have to work overtime when necessary or go on call for emergencies that happen after hours or on weekends. They are paid by the hour rather than by salary but may receive additional compensation for working overtime or being called out after hours.