Locally, regionally, and nationally there is a shortage of electrical lineworkers. In North Carolina, there are currently over 1000 open jobs for electrical lineworkers. In addition to the existing jobs, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026.
In our area, the demand for electrical lineworkers far exceeds the number of people entering this career. The combination of increased retirements, our increased reliance on electricity, increased power grid maintenance, and our increased reliance on renewable energy sources has created a national shortage of powerline installers and lineworkers.
Electrical lineworkers are employed by public and private utility companies, electrical contractors, railroads, and telecommunications companies. These are the men and women that install, maintain, and repair the electrical power distribution and transmission systems that bring electricity into our homes and workplaces.
The Cleveland Community College Electrical Lineworker Academy will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and certifications that public and private utility companies, electrical contractors, and telecommunication companies require for entry-level jobs. Electrical lineworkers install, repair, and maintain electrical power distribution and transmission systems. Electrical line work is a rewarding career that requires highly-skilled employees who enjoy working outdoors, traveling, and working in a team environment where safety is first.
CCC collaborated closely with the City of Shelby, the City of Kings Mountain, Duke Energy, and local power utility contractors to develop a training program “designed by linemen, for linemen” that provides fast-track hands-on training that leads directly to employment as an entry-level lineworker. Course highlights include electrical power fundamentals, climbing wooden poles, setting and guying wooden poles, rigging, commercial driver’s license, and a strong emphasis on worksite safety. The Academy includes classroom instruction but emphasizes hands-on training in the pole yard and learning to safely
operate equipment such as bucket trucks, diggers, and hoists.
With an emphasis on teamwork and safety, experienced Class “A” Journeyman Linemen instructors will train and prepare students to repair, maintain, and install utility power lines. It takes five to seven years of on-the-job training to achieve Class “A” Journeyman Lineman credentials so those joining the industry now will be ready to take the reins in the future just as the need is greatest. Opportunity is not the only benefit. Regional starting pay ranges from $17 – $21 per hour with the potential to earn over $75,000 in five years.
Requirements:
- Age 18 and older
- Valid Driver’s License
- Drug Screen by first day of class
- DOT Medical Exam for CDL Permit by first day of class
- Motor Vehicle Record for CDL Permit by first day of class
Industry Partners:
- City of Kings Mountain
- City of Shelby
- Duke Energy
- Utility Lines Construction
- Williams Electric Company
- Academy Details
The Electrical Lineworker Academy is a 10-week, highly structured and intensive training program designed to prepare students with the skills and credentials that employers want. Students will treat the 10-week Academy like a full-time job and are expected to be ready for training every day at 7:30 am. Each week consists of 40 hours of training.
Class meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Classes begin each quarter. Required orientation sessions are held before the beginning of each Academy. The orientation sessions are designed to give those considering the Academy a clear understanding of what it takes to complete the training.
Learn more at clevelandcc.edu/ela, or contact us at 704-669-4015 or [email protected].
