Maryland

Lineworker Maryland

Know the type of work you can do as a lineworker.

As a lineworker, you may work on new power line construction or repair and maintain existing lines. You also install cable and telecom lines as well as related equipment. Lineworkers keep the lights on by ensuring that electricity is delivered to homes and businesses safely and efficiently, regardless of weather conditions.

Understand that lineworkers need special training and education.

  • Apprenticeships
  • Community colleges
  • Training schools

Be aware of how long it takes to become a lineworker.

It may take between two and four years for you to become a lineworker. The training can happen in the following ways:

  • At a community college, where you will get an associate’s degree in applied sciences or electricity. Plan on spending at least two years there. The coursework covers areas like electrical codes, safety standards, mathematics, and general education classes like English composition and humanities — as well as “hands-on” work with power lines.
  • At a utility company/union training center that is approved by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Training (BAT). In order to be admitted into this program, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. This program is typically one to three years long.

Be aware of personal qualities you need to be an effective lineworker.

To be an effective lineworker, you need to possess certain qualities:

• Be physically fit. Lineworkers are often required to climb poles, lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds or work for extended periods in all types of weather conditions. Because their job involves working with electricity, it’s necessary for them to be in good physical condition so they can respond quickly and effectively when emergency situations arise.

• Be comfortable working with heavy equipment and heights. Lineworkers use a variety of power tools and equipment, such as drills and saws, to install above-ground electrical lines and underground cables. They also must climb poles or work from bucket trucks that could extend up to 50 feet in the air.

Consider a career as a lineworker if you meet these requirements.

If you like working with your hands and want a job that’s as stable as it is rewarding, consider becoming a lineworker. Lineworkers are in high demand in most parts of the country, and they’re well-paid for their work: the average lineworker salary is around $70k per year, and pay can easily increase to six figures at some companies. Benefits packages are often generous as well. Lineworkers typically also enjoy great job security, since there’s always a need for power distribution maintenance. According to an American Lineman Survey conducted in 2016, more than 35% of linemen are over the age of 50—meaning there will be plenty of employment opportunities available in the coming years!

Being a lineworker isn’t just about making money, though—it has several other benefits too. For example, lineworkers get to work outdoors (which is especially nice if you live somewhere where winters are long). They also get to travel and learn new skills on someone else’s dime—in fact, many utilities will pay for their workers’ CDL training or related degree programs! The opportunities available within this profession may surprise you: whether you’re interested in exploring new areas or learning something new about electrical engineering every day, a career as a lineworker might be right for you.

If you want to become a lineworker, you need special education and training, but this trade can offer competitive pay and benefits.

If you want to become a lineworker, you need special education and training, but this trade can offer competitive pay and benefits. Lineworkers are in demand and well paid. These professionals are respected members of the communities where they live and work, play an important role in keeping the lights on, and enjoy job security that other trades do not. Many lineworkers get their start in a formal apprenticeship program. You will learn how to install, operate, maintain, repair and remove all types of power lines on poles or underground. You will also be trained to perform related tasks like digging holes for foundations for poles or equipment; climbing poles; working with tools like pliers, wire strippers and screwdrivers; making splices; attaching conductors; removing broken poles; operating cranes with lineman’s buckets; working from bucket trucks or from helicopters; reading blueprints, schematics and wiring diagrams.