About Apprentice Lineman Jobs
Apprentice Lineman Jobs Overview
Hidden behind the floors, walls, and ceilings of your home and office are the electrical power systems that make our technology-dependent lifestyle possible. Apprentice lineman jobs involve constructing, installing, and monitoring these systems. The importance of their job—to provide cities with a safe and reliable supply of electricity—cannot be understated.
Though they must answer to master linemen, apprentices are given a tremendous amount of responsibility. On any given day, they could set up new service lines, meters, and substations or check whether old installations are in need of repair. Because they work with high-voltage electricity, a thorough understanding of equipment is paramount to maintaining safety on the job.
If you're looking for a job that's equally intellectually challenging and physically demanding, you'll enjoy working as an apprentice lineman. Because power systems are typically located overhead or way below ground, aspiring linemen must be ready to climb atop poles and towers with heavy equipment in tow. It's a tough and thrilling profession, but that's precisely what makes it so interesting.
If you're curious about this line of work but unsure whether being a lineman is right for you, why not check out other maintenance jobs? Most involve electricity and heavy equipment but in a slightly different context. Some examples include:
Apprentice Lineman Training and Skills
Despite the fact that apprentice linemen are considered highly skilled professionals, it doesn't require much formal education to become one. You don't need a college degree to apply—a high school diploma or GED will fit the bill. While some recruiters look for candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship program, most companies offer such training in-house—and will also pay you for it.
Having at least some relevant experience wiring or assessing power systems will give you a big tactical advantage over other applicants. This doesn't mean you have to build up an entire career in a related field, though. In fact, many employers will accept as few as six months of prior experience installing and maintaining power lines.
Additional requirements will vary from place to place. Since most power lines stretch across entire cities and highway systems, a valid driver's license will come in handy regardless of where you happen to find work. Some states, like Arizona, require linemen to live near the communities they serve. Since most linemen jobs fall under federal jurisdiction, drug and alcohol testing may be required.
Credentials aside, here's a brief overview of the sort of skills that will help you succeed as a lineman:
- Knowledge of electrical theory and practices.
- The ability to memorize and follow extensive safety guidelines.
- Familiarity with industry-specific terms like "printed circuit" and "gas insulated substation."
Update Your Apprentice Lineman Resume
Though apprentice lineman jobs don't require years of education, recruiters look for candidates with an extensive, highly specialized skillset. When tailoring your resume for specific job applications, be sure to list this skillset as clearly and succinctly as possible. To get an idea of how to construct your own lineman resume, check out Monster's journeyman electrician resume sample.
Though most employers probably won't ask for a cover letter, it's best to have one ready to go, just in case. Take a look at Monster's cover letter samples and writing tips to help you compose your own.
How Much Do Apprentice Lineman Jobs Pay?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for an electrical power-line installer and repairer is $35.78 an hour. Want to learn more? Search Monster's Salary Tools to find out how much linemen, utility technicians, and utility engineers get paid in your area and where their skills are in the highest demand.
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