Course Overview

In the Electrical Lineworker Program, students learn how to climb wood poles, install cross arms and hardware on poles, install underground systems, install conductors and pole-line equipment, operate the equipment, and learn to use various tools of the trade in simulated conditions. Student/teacher ratios are 32:1 in a classroom environment and 16:1 in a field environment. Students will work in crews and learn that individual success depends on teamwork.

The Electrical Lineworker Program is offered three terms per year and they begin in January, May, and September. Students will participate in academic and field learning activities four days per week, Monday through Thursday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm with a one-half hour lunch break.

The normal length of time to complete the Electrical Lineworker Program is 4 concurrent months (15 weeks) of full time enrollment. The Program is not flexible enough to accommodate part-time students. This program is approximately 500 clock hours in length. Students will start each morning in the classroom from 8:00 AM until 10:20 AM. Students will work in the field every day from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

ES 100 Basic Electrical Systems

Students will learn the basics of the entire electrical system- from generation, through transmission, distribution, and to the meter. Equipment, materials, tools, and construction methods will be taught and reinforced in the field.

TR 100 Transformers

Students will learn (mathematically and in the field) how transformers work, how they are manufactured, how they are connected and banked, how to read voltages, how to troubleshoot, etc.

BE 100 Basic Electricity

Basic electricity will cover practical, as well as mathematical (theoretical), applications of Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) electricity to give the student a solid background of what they will be working with. The theoretical aspects will be related to the power system.

GR 100 Personal Protective Grounding

This course shows the student the importance of properly grounding a de-energized power line when lines are shut down. The student will learn how to install personal protective grounds on overhead and underground systems. Both master and equipotential-zone grounding will be taught.

RI 100 Basic Rigging

Rigging, which is two weeks in length, will teach students how to tie knots, splice rope, install blocks and lines on power lines for hoisting purposes, and calculate tension applied in various rigging configurations.

CP 100 Career Planning and Strategies

Career Planning and Strategies will help the student to identify various power companies and describe their structure, effectively establish contact with potential employers, create and submit a resume and cover letter, demonstrate how to effectively participate in an interview, and identify various employment opportunities and career paths.

Field Competencies

In the field, students must complete competencies that are grouped into the following areas: Equipment Operation, Overhead Distribution, Underground Distribution, Rigging, Climbing, and General. Students are instructed in each competency and then perform them when ready. Instructors check off each student to ensure that they are performing the task satisfactorily. This ensures that the student is well rounded in a variety of areas before going to work.

CDL Training & Licensing

Working in the electrical power delivery industry will require for line workers to have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).  Having a CDL upon graduation will make students more marketable to companies and will increase their starting pay $1.00 - $3.00 per hour higher then graduates without one. The CDL course consists of classroom training, pre-trip inspection instruction, and practical "hands on" training time behind the wheel. Drive time and testing will be done in SLTC's own fifth wheel rig usded solely for this training.

      *In the event that either of these tests must be re-taken, the additional fees will be the
        responsibility of the individual.

Certifications & Specialized Skills


       10-Hour OSHA Certification
        First Aid/CPR
        Flagger Certification
        Pole-Top, Vault Rescue, Bucket Truck Rescue
        Class A CDL
        D.O.T. Physical Certification