Lineworker New Jersey
Lineworkers energize our lives. From small towns to big cities, they make sure the electricity in our homes keeps flowing. They oversee the installation of new power lines, maintain existing power lines, respond to emergencies and restore power when it’s out.
Lineworkers are a vital part of modern society. They bring us the electricity that powers our homes, schools and businesses.
In this role, you’ll inspect power lines and electrical systems to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently. You’ll also install new power lines and equipment to newly developed areas. And when there’s an outage or the electricity goes off due to severe weather, you’ll be the one to restore it.
What do Lineworkers Do?
The nation’s power supply depends on Lineworkers. Lineworkers install and maintain the electricity infrastructure that delivers power to homes and businesses across the country. They work in all kinds of weather, at all hours of the day, ensuring that we can keep our lights on, cook food, watch TV and charge our phones. When severe weather strikes and causes an outage, they may be deployed to help restore power in a remote area or in their hometowns.
I’m a high school student, what should I do to prepare for becoming a lineworker?
If you are a high school student interested in becoming a lineworker, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself. You should:
- Join your high school electrical club or any other kind of extra-curricular activities that will help you learn about safety and first aid.
- Take math classes such as algebra and geometry.
- Take science classes such as physics.
- Take shop classes in electricity and electronics.
- Work with your guidance counselor to learn about job requirements and opportunities in the field. Your guidance counselor should be able to help you arrange an internship with a company or set up an apprenticeship with a local union so that you can see what it’s like on the job before committing to this career path.
I’m an adult, what should I do to prepare for becoming a lineworker?
The first thing you should do is get into the best physical shape you can. You need to be strong and have endurance, as well as have good hand-eye coordination. It’s important to not be afraid of heights or enclosed spaces. If you know that it’s difficult for you to fit into small spaces, like a toolbox or crawl space, it might be in your best interest to find another career path.
As with many other careers, there are drug and alcohol tests before being hired and throughout your employment at the company. If you don’t pass any of them, the company will likely not hire you or will fire you if they find out that you’ve been using drugs or drinking on the job.
It’s also important to study for the entrance exam. Lineworker NJ has practice exams that cover all of the topics most lineworker companies test on: mechanical reasoning ability; reading comprehension; math skills; and electrical knowledge comprehension.
There is a lot of material to cover when studying for any type of test: mechanical reasoning ability; reading comprehension; math skills; and electrical knowledge comprehension – so it helps if your education background includes classes in these subjects.
How do I become an Apprentice Lineworker?
If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice Lineworker, you will have to apply on the website of the largest utility or telecommunication company in your area. To be considered as a candidate, you must first create a user profile on their website and then submit your application through their online system. Within 30 days after applying, they’ll contact you if they decide to schedule an interview with you.
Where does the training take place?
Initial training takes place in the classroom and in the field. You will be given instruction in a partnership between the company and a local community college. Some training is provided at an actual company training center, but this is not very common.
Once you have completed your initial training, you will spend around 40 hours per week working alongside other more experienced lineworkers on-site at various locations where repairs or maintenance need to be done. During this time, you will continue to learn about your job and receive mentoring from others with more experience as a lineworker.
How is a Lineworker-in-Training program different from an apprenticeship program?
Your previous employment experience, entry-level training and/or technical school coursework may help you advance more quickly through a Lineworker-in-Training program. In fact, you can enter the field with no prior experience. LIT programs are usually very competitive, so if you have prior experience you’ll be well positioned to take advantage of an LIT program’s benefits (including higher salaries). These programs are typically more expensive than apprenticeships because they’re designed to be completed in a shorter period of time (typically one year or less) and provide a much higher level of specialized and focused training that is more intense and comprehensive. This can lead to less time spent as an apprentice under supervision before advancing into the workforce.
Is there a better way to get into the industry than starting as an apprentice?
It is possible to become a lineworker by obtaining a two-year degree from a community college, but this is rarely recommended. While it may be easier in some respects, you miss out on valuable hands-on experience that comes with apprenticeship training. Unless you are already employed by a company that accepts these alternative avenues for entering the occupation (which is not common), it’s suggested that you find an employer willing to sponsor your apprenticeship before applying to an associate’s program.
What happens after you complete your training as a lineworker-in-training or beginner apprentice?
When you complete your training as a lineworker-in-training or beginner apprentice, you will be promoted to the position of journeyman lineworker. This is an exciting step up because, as a journeyman, you will have more responsibility and higher earning potential than a beginner. You may also be eligible for certain benefits that are not available to journeymen.
As a journeyman lineworker, you can expect to take on more supervision over other apprentices and trainees. In some cases, you may even be eligible for promotion to a supervisory position within your company.
Becoming a lineworker can take many paths. The most common way is through an apprenticeship program.
Like many trades, there are a variety of ways to become an electric lineworker in New Jersey. You could complete a lineworker apprenticeship program, or attend a vocational or community college for trade school. Once you have completed one of these programs, you may be able to find employment through the company that provided your training. It is also possible to learn this trade from another lineworker at the company where you work.
The most common route is to attend an apprenticeship program. These programs give students hands-on experience by having them work alongside lineworkers on the job site throughout their education.