Students looking for a fast-track to a highly skilled job should consider a career as a lineworker. The program, which is endorsed by the Utility Workers Union of America Local 102, provides hands-on laboratories, such as pole training and equipment labs, preparing students to enter the workforce upon completion of the program.
Program Overview
The Electric Distribution Engineering Technology program was created through a partnership between Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and Allegheny Energy, providing educational opportunities for a field that has typically been limited to internal apprenticeship opportunities. Through this program, endorsed by the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 102, students will learn the skills necessary to become lineworkers.
The Electric Lineworker Program is designed to provide the technical skills required for new utility workers. Traditional academic instruction gives students an understanding of the technology fueling today’s electrical utilities, while hands-on laboratories, such as pole training areas and equipment labs, ensure that students are prepared for the job on day one.
Students in the Electric Distribution Engineering Technology program are subject to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s requirements for admission, basic skills testing, and appropriate course placement, including developmental education courses, which may not count toward completion of the program. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College requirements regarding academic standards, student conduct, and graduation procedures also apply.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate professionalism (clean and complete uniform, on time, positive attitude, respectful).
- Conduct thorough pre-job briefings including hazard recognition.
- Identify safety equipment.
- Practice team building and effective communication.
- Identify and describe procedures for safely operating a bucket truck and digger derrick.
- Identify and demonstrate procedures for safely climbing poles.
- Identify electrical distribution materials, tools, equipment, and activities.
- Demonstrate how to safely auger a hole and erect a wooden utility pole.
- Understand basic electrical theory as it relates to power distribution (single phase and 3 phase AC circuits, transformers, and conductors).
- Demonstrate the ability to correctly read and interpret power systems layout drawings.
Career Opportunities
Upon obtaining your certificate, you will be ready to embark upon a career as a lineworker. Lineworkers maintain an astounding 99% hire rate and earn an average of $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
Note: All salary estimations are based on the current position and educational trends. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College cannot guarantee that the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive.
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