Linemen question

Looking into going to linemen school but not sure what to expect. I was wondering what type of math i would have to do to pass and use on the job. Any other concerns i should know about before signing up for this.

 

Have you spoke to any of the schools offering this program? They should be able to provide what the requirements are prior to and to complete the program. Pretty much exactly what classes you are expected of you. Of course nothing can match the real world of hearing from a dude who has been through it but, I'd certainly ask those questions...

Best of luck man!

 

Speaking from 30 years large power company experience here............

Not sure what kind of lineman you are speaking of, as there are a couple different roles I have heard people refer to as linemen.

But if it's electrical, almost all of those are either union or union like in nature. I have never seen a 'school' that would actually get you a job as a lineman right out of the gate.

What I mean by that is that it's considered a professional trade, and you start as something like a grunt (groundman) and work your way up to a lineman through a combination of time, training and skill development. No one wants someone up a pole or in a bucket working either high or low side voltage who doesn't know what they are doing.

In terms of math, not too much beyond a grasp of basic math and maybe some simple algebra in some cases. You aren't engineering the work, you're building or repairing what someone else already did the engineering for. Reading is actually much more critical to the ability to progress in that field. The reading of plans, work orders, instrumentation, safety manuals, etc.

It's a great outdoor job of hard work, often 'unsung' in our world. But something that technology will be hard pressed to ever replace.

Now then, if you are asking about some other kind of 'lineman', sorry for my unhelpful ramble.

 

what is the best way to get into this line of work? looking around i see nothing entry level or where to get a start.

 

I think Billy is onto it man. I'm not sure what area you're in but, have you just done a job search?

http://jobs.monster.com/v-skilled-trades-q-journeyman-lineman-jobs.aspx

 

Old fashioned leg work. Knock on doors, make applications, get to know folks in the business. Contrary to current thinking not everything can be done on the web.

You may need to be willing to move. Power companies generally cover fairly large areas. If your local one has no openings or anticipated ones, you will need to try others.

There are companies that provide contract line crews for large projects as well. Travel and living on the road required, but the pay can be good and the experience valuable.