There are top lineman schools in Illinois and in this article, we have listed these schools and talked about how you can become a lineman in Illinois.
To become a lineman apprentice, you must be at least 18 years of age. You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and most importantly, you must submit an application to your local Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC).
Some JATCs have additional requirements such as a grade of C or better in algebra and a commercial driver’s license.
Once you apply for an apprenticeship program, you will go through an interview and safety orientation before you will be paired with power company linemen and start your on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
The Job Description of a Lineman
- A lineman safely and accurately prepares work sites with warning signs and secures areas.
- A Lineman operate diggers, bucket trucks, hand tools near and around electrical distribution lines.
- Linemen locate underground electric cable faults for repair.
- They read and interpret wiring diagrams.
- They install primary and secondary overhead and underground electrical systems.
- They conduct work outdoors in various types of weather.
The List of Lineman Schools in Illinois
- City Colleges of Chicago
- Frontier Community College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- College of Dupage
- ABC Illinois Chapter-Learnyourtrade.com
City Colleges of Chicago
- 180 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601
- (773) 265-5343
- Program: Electrical Line Worker
City Colleges of Chicago is on our list of lineman schools in Illinois because it offers Advanced Certificate program in Electrical Line Worker (Overhead).
The program is structured to meet the current need for overhead electricians/electrical line workers in the electrical power industry. The required program core:
- Vocational Physical Training I
- Professional Development
- Basic Electrical Theory
- Overhead Techniques & Projects I
- Overhead Techniques & Projects II
- Construction Safety and Rescue
- Vocational Physical Training II
- Vocational Physical Training III
- Power Equipment Operation I
- Communications Skills
Check out the requirements for this program.
Lincoln Land Community College
- 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield, IL 62794-9256
- (217) 786-2200
- Eletrical Distribution Lineman, Industrial Technology, Welding Programs
LLCC’s electrical distribution lineman program prepares students for a lineman apprenticeship with electrical cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cable companies and private contractors.
LLCC offers the following programs to successfully equip you for a career as an electrical distribution lineman.
Students must complete the LLCC Truck Driver Training program to receive a commercial driver’s license (CDL)-class A to meet program requirements.
Students take the CDL test with the Illinois Secretary of State and must pass the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) physical.
Those with a current CDL-Class A can receive proficiency credit to meet the program’s truck driver training requirement.
At the end, you receive either Electrical Distribution Lineman Maintenance Certificate of Achievement(time of completion is 12 to 18 weeks) or the Electrical Distribution Lineman Associate in Applied Science(time of completion is 5 semesters).
- Tuition and fees for other courses in the electrical distribution lineman associate degree program run the standard in-district rate of $153.00 per credit hour.
- Tuition and fees for the EDL 130 course are $1,557.
- Tuition and fees for courses EDL 131 through 135 run $818 each.
- The cost of the truck driver training course (seven credits) is $3,900, which is in addition to other fees for the program.
College of Dupage
- Program: Non-Traditional Careers and Technical Education (Automotive Technology, Manufacturing, Welding Technology
- (630) 942-2800
- 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
The electrician program at College of DuPage prepares students for careers as electrical contractors, inspectors, estimators, project managers, electricians, linemen, and wiremen.
The program focuses on applying technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair electrical apparatus and systems.
Program courses include: principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and codes and standards.
ABC Illinois Chapter-Learnyourtrade.com
- 2458 Elmhurst Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
- (847) 709-2960
- Programs: Electrical Training, Welding, etc.
The aim of their lineman program is to prepare trainees for a career in the electrical field, NCCER offers a comprehensive, 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with DOL time-based standards for apprenticeship. Find out more.
Frontier Community College
The Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) program at Frontier Community College prepares individuals to build, repair, and maintain electrical distribution systems.
Students in this program also develop essential skills of pole climbing, hurt man rescue, electric theory, and more.
Furthermore, students receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training in an outdoor lab, located directly behind our Workforce Development Center (WDC).
During inclement weather, students will receive training at the indoor lab, located inside WDC.
This lab also incorporates extensive transformer theory into the program.
EDS classes are held Tuesday through Thursday of each week, allowing students to maintain a part-time job and/or other responsibilities.
Career Options for Graduates
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
- Electricians
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
They directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
They ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
They may install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
According to the BLS, it is expected that the employment of electricians will grow at a rate of 13.7% from 2014 to 2024.
- Average Hourly Rate: $35.46
- Average Annual Salary: $73750
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers install, program maintain, or repair security or fire alarm wiring and equipment.
They ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.
According to the BLS, it is expected that security and fire alarm systems installers employment grow at a rate of 12.9% from 2014 to 2024.
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, signal and track switch repairers employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.1% from 2014 to 2024. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).