Electrical Lineman

What is an electrical lineman? An electrical lineman,by driving heavy line trucks or bucket trucks and
sometimes referred to as a utility lineman, electricsorting and organizing line tools, sending linemans tools
lineman, journeyman lineman or power lineman (afterup power poles by handline to the journeyman linemen
one completes lineman training and after being anand apprentices at work.
apprentice lineman).During a linemans apprenticeship, one will learn pole
An electrical lineman installs, repairs and maintainsclimbing, although at times he will ride in a bucket truck.
transmission and distribution electric power grids. ASome linemen don't allow apprentices to use bucket
lineman works on high voltage wires or conductorstrucks until they top out to journeyman lineman. They
and must adhere to the most stringent safety ruleswill learn rigging techniques, safety and first aid,
and protocols, as electrical work is inherentlyelectrical theory, transformer hook-up and theory, wire
dangerous. It is very popular to be a member of astringing techniques, pole setting, covering techniques
union, or the IBEW (International Brotherhood of(primary voltages), use of rubber gloves and rubber
Electrical Workers).protective equipment, and more.
How does one become a One can go to a linemanOnce one completes apprenticeship training, he
school or training center and work for a utility companybecomes a journeyman lineman. A journeyman
and receive on-the-job-training as an apprenticelineman or power lineman can now find work all over
lineman.the world, and receive top pay. There are power
Typically an apprenticeship lasts 3 to 4 years andlineman jobs and utility jobs posted on many different
contains up to 6 or 7 steps. With some companies,mediums. Various events, such as a linemans rodeo,
you must first be a groundman which is an entry levelare out there to showcase a linemans skills.
job. As a groundman, one assists linemen in their duties