Missouri

Lineworker Missouri

Many lineworkers start their careers in trade schools or apprenticeship programs.

  • Many lineworkers start their careers in trade schools or apprenticeship programs. These training programs vary in cost, length, and location but many offer scholarships to eligible candidates. Contact your local trade school or union hall for more information. Other requirements may include:
  • US Citizenship
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Valid driver’s license*

Training is a combination of classroom learning and hands-on work experience.

Training to become a lineworker is a combination of classroom learning and hands-on work experience. Through classroom learning you will learn the theory, mathematics and technical skills required for this job. Hands-on learning involves climbing poles, working with power lines and possibly working on transmission lines.

Apprentices must also meet entry requirements before they can begin training. Requirements include being 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some programs may require the completion of a pre-entrance exam that tests reading comprehension and math skills. Prospective apprentices usually need a driver’s license or other form of identification.

While most electric cooperatives provide their own lineworker training, some require it.

While most electric cooperatives provide their own lineworker training, some require it. This can be a huge benefit to you as an employee and might even be a deciding factor in the job application process.

Within the state of Missouri, there are several avenues for lineworker training. You could attend one of the community colleges that offer classes or training programs geared toward becoming a lineworker. Contacting these schools directly will provide more information about what they offer and how much it will cost.

Alternatively, you may opt to attend one of Missouri’s electric cooperative-owned training facilities: The Missouri Electric Cooperatives/Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (MEC/AMEC) Safety and Operations Training Center located in Jefferson City, MO. These two facilities are owned by MEC/AMEC and its member cooperatives, but each offers different classes for lineworkers.”

Lineworker training program graduates are ready for employment immediately after graduation.

Graduates of the lineworker training program have all the technical skills and knowledge needed for employment. They are ready to be employed immediately after graduation. Lineworker training program graduates can expect to be promoted quickly to higher positions that come with greater responsibilities and pay, as well as training in more advanced topics.

Most lineworker positions are full time with competitive benefits and wages.

Most lineworker positions are full time with competitive benefits and wages. Full-time means you work 40 hours a week. Compensation for most lineworker positions includes overtime, which is paid at one and a half times or two times your regular hourly rate depending on the company’s policy. Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays are included in most benefit plans for utility companies as well.

Powerline workers also receive medical insurance, dental and vision care, life insurance and retirement benefits such as 401(k) plans or defined contribution plans.

Lineworker positions are attainable at apprenticeship or community college levels

There are a few different ways to enter the lineworker field, but most of them require some type of training or certification. Many power companies have their own training programs for new employees; for example, Ameren offers one that takes five years to complete. The program is designed as an apprenticeship and has both classroom and hands-on components.

If you prefer not to start out with a specific company, you can find certificates in lineworker positions at some community colleges and technical schools. For example, Southeast Missouri State University offers an associate’s degree in electrical transmission systems technology. Classes include theory of electricity, electrical construction materials & methods, project management fundamentals, computer applications and more; students are also required to participate in internships at local utility companies during the program (source: Southeast Missouri State University).