5 Top Lineman Schools in Kentucky & Lineman Apprenticeships

We have listed the top lineman schools in Kentucky for anybody who is interested in becoming a Journeyman lineman.

Journeyman linemen build and maintain electrical power systems. They do all the work, from the point of generation, all the way to the customer’s meter.

The lines they work with may be on overhead structures or in underground vaults or trenches.

These lines may be in rural and metropolitan areas. But that’s not all, linemen, also do work on traffic signals and street lights. Not only is the work varied, but it is also varied and its rewards are plentiful.

Being a journeyman lineman is really a combination of jobs-part engineer, part project manager, part equipment operator and part mechanic.

The lineman schools in Kentucky or enrolling in an apprenticeship program will prepare you for all aspects of this exciting and rewarding career.

Lineman Jobs in Kentucky

In addition to the common jobs of Journeymen linemen, they also do the following:

Installing, Repairing and Maintaining an Underground Electrical Distribution System:

They install manholes and appropriate gear for future and present needs. They coordinate trench excavation. They lay, secure, and reinforce conduit in the trenches.

They install sectionalized devices to meet load interruption needs.

Assembly and Erection of Substations and Switchyards:

They read blueprints to determine plans for substations and switchyards.

They coordinate excavation for the placement of ground grids.

Layout trenches for conduit for the substation and lay, secure and reinforce conduit.

They install and terminate control cables.

They prepare concrete footings and erection of substation structures.

Journeymen linemen install a transformer OCB’s, OCR’s, capacitor banks, and other related equipment.

Installing, Maintaining and Repairing Traffic or Train Signals and Outdoor Lighting:

They follow blueprints that show where related equipment is to be located.

They excavate trenches or bores for conduits that will be installed.

They install secondary pedestals for power and traffic control cables.

They install and terminate lighting wire/cable and traffic control wire/cable.

They form the base for the pole, including the assembly of reinforcing wire.

For traffic signals, cut sensor loops in the asphalt and place sensors on the road.

Tree Trimming (when necessary):

  • Decide how pruning will be accomplished
  • Dispose of brush and branches

The List of Lineman Schools in Kentucky

  • Hazard Community and Technical College

  • Maysville Community and Technical College

  • Big Sandy Community and Technical College

  • Gateway Community and Technical College

Hazard Community and Technical College

Hazard Community & Technical College’s Lineman Training Program has been recognized with the 2016 Workforce Development Award through the Community Colleges of Appalachia for its outstanding placement rate and comprehensive approach to training individuals to enter this growing field. 

The objective of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to embark on a meaningful and rewarding career in the electrical utility industry.

This is accomplished with the use of proven training methods by instructors with extensive experience in the utility industry.

Upon completion of the class, our students are prepared to enter and be successful in the Line Utility Industry.

Proposed 2022 Class dates:

  • Spring 2022 – March 7th
  • Fall 2022 – August 15th

Through this program, students will receive:

  • 288 Hours of Lineman Instruction
  • 160 Hours of CDL Class A Training
  • OSHA 10-Hour Course
  • 8-Hour Work Zone and Flagging Course
  • CPR Certification
  • Two Fiber Optic Certifications

All applicants must have a full driver’s license (intermediate or learner’s permits are not accepted) and pass a DOT physical and drug screen prior to enrollment in the program.


Maysville Community and Technical College

If you like to be outdoors, love challenges, and aren’t afraid of heights, being a professional Lineworker is a career to consider.

The MCTC Lineworker Program will train you to install, maintain and repair the high-power transmission and distribution lines and systems that deliver electric power from the generating source to the end-user.

Their experienced instructors will use proven training methods from the line utility industry to prepare you for employment.

You will receive 317 hours of training and upon successful completion, you will have earned a Class A CDL license, OSHA flagger certification, first aid & CPR certification, OSHA 10, and Drone Pilot training in addition to the Lineman certification.

This 10-week course meets Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Students take the class at Rowan Campus (Morehead) or Licking Valley Campus (Cynthiana).

Lineworker Program Coordinator & Financial Assistance

See how you can apply here.


Big Sandy Community and Technical College

The objective of the lineman program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College is to prepare an opportunity for students to embark on a meaningful and rewarding career in the electrical line work industry.

This is achieved with the use of professional training methods by instructors with expert experience in the utility line industry.

This 12-week program also includes class A CDL training, as this line of work calls for the license.

There will be a soft skills course that will include financial literacy and job interview skills that are built into the 12-week program as well.

Upon completion of the class, our students are prepared to begin their successful line of work in this industry. 

  • Cost: $7,700.00
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Third-party funding is available upon meeting guidelines
  • $57,613 median salary according to Glassdoor

Contact:

Brian Phillips


Gateway Community and Technical College

In June, Gateway received a $32,315 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation allowing the college to create this lineworker certificate program.

The one-semester, 16-credit-hour program will incorporate Gateway’s energy technology curriculum with expansive training and equipment.

Upon completion of the program, students will have an understanding of the skills, knowledge, safe work practices, and physical ability required to become a line technician apprentice.

In addition, the average starting wage for a line apprentice in their first year is $24-26/hr.

As they advance and become experienced lineworkers, their pay can sometimes reach six figures.

Kentucky lineman apprenticeships

In order to become a lineman in Kentucky the first step is an apprenticeship. As you already know, lineman apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” program in the sense that it is an entry-level role that is focused on education and training.

Here are the most common options for lineman apprenticeships.

  • American Line Builders Training Program

  • Columbia State Community College Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy.

These apprenticeships are good programs that will essentially guarantee you some decent money.

Lineman apprentices in Kentucky can typically make between $48,000 and $56,000 per year.

Conclusion:

Careers in this industry consist of working in conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, dark of night, and high winds.

Most available positions in this industry are not local, so applicants need to be willing to relocate.

All workstations are at an elevated level, so if you have a fear of heights, this career may not be for you.

Safety is of the highest priority in this industry so you must always be aware of high voltage areas. What are your thoughts about these lineman schools in Kentucky?

Lineman Schools in Other States:

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