Utilities Lineman Career
Electrical Lineworkers-a Valuable Commodity With an Increasing Need
Oct 11, 2009
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) was ranked fifth by the AARP in the USA (2008), for best employer for utility workers over 50. With the upcoming baby boomers planning retirement, utilities are taking measures to ensure that there are plenty of lineworkers to meet the increased electrical demands in the rural areas, as well as city areas.
NRECA represents more than 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to 42 million people in 47 states.
AARP noted the NRECA’S defined benefits plan, alternative work arrangements and the high percentage of older workers employed as explaining the high ranking. Currently, 37 % of NRECA’s workforce is age 50+, with an average tenure of 11.8 years. Benefits include free preventive-care exams, alternative work arrangements, ranging from flextime to telework up to three days per week. Excellent pay is also an incentive.
High Demand for Electrical Workers
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) produced a survey in 2007 that revealed the following statistics of the future outlook for lineworkers demand by 2013:
- 49% of skilled technicians may need to be replaced
- Nearly 48% of employees operating gas and coal fired generation will be eligible to leave
- About 45% of engineering jobs in all disciplines could become vacant
- About 40% of lineworker jobs may need to be filled
- Only about 30% of lineworkers are under the age of 37
With these statistics, a growing demand for electricity, a growing population, and a growing economic need for service, demands for utility electricians, apprentice lineman and journeyman lineman are huge. Electrical utility companies are training employees better, making sure they have the best benefits, education, wages, and working environment possible to retain current workers and gain new hires as they become available.
Education/Training Programs
Most institutions that provide lineman training offer certificate programs that can be completed in a few months. Studies in the 12 week Electric Lineman Technology certificate program at North Carolina’s Nash Community College, for example, include:
- Power systems
- Generation transmission structures
- Safety
- Above-ground and under-ground line construction
- Substations
- Electricity principles
- Math
- Communications and more
In-state tuition for the program is about $800, while out-of-state students pay about $3,500. Most schools offer financial tuition assistance. The training program requires rigorous mental and physical effort, and a loss of 50 to 60 percent of enrolled students is not uncommon. It is a demanding profession, as well as an unusual job that requires disciplined people.
Safety and Satisfaction
Over the past few decades, the improvement in protective equipment and a stronger push for safety training have made electrical linework as safe as many other professions.
Despite the challenges, a lineworker job comes with gratifying benefits. It is a career that cannot be shipped overseas, so one best thing about being an electrical lineworker is job security. With 60% of the workforce over 50 years old and an average tenure of almost 12 years, obviously the people employed by electrical utility companies are happy.
Anyone who enjoys working outdoors and looks forward to something new and different every day might enjoy being an electrical lineman. Consider becoming a utility lineworker when looking for a career or thinking about changing professions. The local electrical co-op can help find the best educational programs available.
 |
