Attending any of the lineman schools in Arkansas can accelerate the process of a lineman’s career development.
An experienced journeyman lineman is one of the most fulfilling career paths anyone can choose.
Becoming a lineman starts with specific training and skills to maintain and install electrical power lines on transmission towers.
In this article, we will look at the list of lineman schools in Arkansas and other places where you can be trained.
About Lineman Schools and Training Programs
Talking about Lineman training, you can choose to get training at an industry training center or through a program at a college or university.
However, If you are interested in completing industry training or an associate degree before starting your apprenticeship, there are many options available.
Search for training centers and programs in your area to know your options and choose your preferred program.
As we said, you can choose to attend community or technical colleges that are offering lineman programs typically resulting in a Certificate of Achievement, however, for the most part, on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs are most common in this field.
A lineman apprenticeship is an incredible opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ and receive strong skill-building in the industry. Now, let’s look at the lineman schools in Arkansas.
The List of Lineman Schools in Arkansas
- Arkansas State University
- Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative
- University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech
- International Brotherhood Electrical Workers
Arkansas State University
The High Voltage Lineman Technology program at Arkansas State University prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills needed to install, repair, service, and maintain electrical power lines and supporting equipment.
The program includes instruction in AC/DC electrical theory, safety, transformers, tools, material, testing equipment, pole framing, and bucket and digger derrick trucks.
The program also includes instruction in the construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting of underground electrical systems. Students also receive instruction in pole climbing, pole testing, equipment maintenance, and pole top rescue.
Graduates may find employment in the field of electrical power line work for companies like:
- Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas,
- Entergy Arkansas,
- Southern Electric Contractors in Mississippi,
- Bird Electric Co. in Washington, and
- Patriot Solutions in South Carolina.
General Technology-Pathway to High Voltage Lineman Technology
- Length of Program: 2 years
- Campus Availability: Newport
- Course Availability: Fall
High Voltage Lineman Technology
- Length of Program: 10 months
- Campus Availability: Newport
- Course Availability: Fall
Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative
Ashley-Chicot Electric and Arkansas State University Newport offer an opportunity for a unique and exciting career as a high voltage lineman.
Qualifying students may earn a $5,000 scholarship for a Technical Certificate in High Voltage Lineman Technology.
The course includes 42 hours of technical study in the classroom and allows students to spend 10 weeks engaged in a supervised internship with experienced Electric Cooperative linemen.
- Completion Rate: 90%
- Term Length: 10 Weeks
- Term Beginning Date(s): August
- For more information, call 870-853-5212 or 800-281-5212.
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech offers a Certified Power Line Worker Training Program.
The UA-PTC H-VOLT (High Voltage Lineman Training) Academy is a certified power line worker training program that is designed to provide quality education along with real-world, hands-on instruction to those seeking careers as electrical power line workers.
Those who enroll gain the knowledge and skills needed to install, repair, service, and maintain electrical power lines and supporting equipment.
The program includes instruction in electrical circuits and theory, safety, aerial framing, transformers, testing equipment, and more.
The program also includes instruction in construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting, as well as pole climbing, pole testing, equipment maintenance, and pole top rescue.
Graduates may obtain employment in the field of electrical power line work with one of their partners:
Course Schedule:
Classes will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 10 p.m. and every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for approximately 17 weeks at the UA-PTC Business and Industry Center located at 3303 East Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, AR 72206.
Cost/Tuition:
The cost per student is $8,500 which includes all related fees, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including personally fitted climbing gear, curriculum/books, CPR and First Aid Certification.
Typical Lineman Enrollment Requirements
To enroll in training you must:
- Be a high school/GED graduate and at least 18 years of age by the first day of class.
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Hold a CRC (Career Readiness Certificate).
- Pass the height aversion test, drug screen, background check, and physical.
International Brotherhood Electrical Workers
International Brotherhood Electrical Workers offers a five-year apprenticeship program.
Once you are accepted into the program you will be placed with an employer.
You will work 40 a week with an IBEW Union Electrical Contractor.
You will attend school two nights a week, four hours a night from September thru March.
Tuition is $400.00 per year, payable on the first night of school. Books are included.
Topics to Expect in a Lineman Training Program
- Safety
- Aerial framing
- Electrical circuits and theory
- Maintenance
- Transformers
- Testing equipment
- Construction
- Troubleshooting
- Pole climbing and testing
- Equipment maintenance
- Pole top rescue
Lineman Jobs Arkansas
Sample of reported job titles:
- Control Operator
- Distribution Dispatcher
- Distribution System Operator
- Electric System Operator
- Power System Dispatcher
- Power System Operator
- System Operator
- Transmission System Operator
Lineman Tasks
A lineman responds to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
A lineman prepares switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
A lineman controls, monitors, or operates the equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
A lineman coordinates with engineers, planners, field personnel, or even other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
A lineman distributes and regulates the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users. They also keep track of the status of circuits or connections.
Knowledge a Lineman Should Have
Public Safety and Security: A lineman must have a knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, as well as strategies in order to promote the effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of data, property, people, and institutions.
English Language: A lineman must have knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology: They must have a good knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to design, as well as the production of goods and services.
Computers and Electronics: A lineman must have knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including knowledge for designs, repairs, and maintenance.
Telecommunications: A lineman must have the knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunication systems.
Lineman Salary Arkansas
Arkansas Wages for power distributors and dispatchers:
Annual Low(10%): $61,440
Annual Ql(25%): $79,270
Annual Median(50%): $97,82
Annual Qu(75%): $104,420
Annual High(90%): $117,170