The Lineman schools in Michigan we have listed in this article are for those who want to become a Journeyman Lineman, to build and maintain electrical power systems.
Linemen do all the work from the point of generation all the way to the customer’s meter.
In this article, we will be looking at the lineman schools in Michigan as well as the duties of a journeyman lineman.
What are the Duties of a Journeyman Lineman
A Lineman does the following:
Planning and initiating projects
Linemen study blueprints and specifications. They organize tools and equipment. They also load and unload tools at the job site. They establish timetables for the completion of work.
Setting Towers, Poles, and Construction of Other Devices
They transport poles or towers to the job site. They assemble poles or towers when necessary. Also, they dig holes and set poles or towers for proper depth and alignment.
They install ground wires on poles and ground rods.
Establishing Customer Safety Requirements
Linemen inspect and maintain tools and personal protective equipment. They develop on-site safety programs; this includes safety meetings and traffic control.
They also review employer and utility safety standards.
Stringing New Wire or Maintaining Old Wire
They inspect wire for potential problems that may arise. They install traveling grounds, as well as truck and equipment grounds.
They set the proper sag on wires and splice wire if necessary.
Installing and Maintaining Insulators
Linemen inspect and install insulators for defects. They select the appropriate insulator for the voltage.
During construction and maintenance, they secure the conductor.
Using Rubber Gloving and Hot Sticking
There is a demand to keep the lights on in order to improve customer service. As the demand grows, journeymen linemen are exposed to hazards that are associated with high voltage.
Rubber gloving and hot sticking are two common techniques used to work lines in such exposures.
Rubber gloving is a technique of wearing rubber gloves(which are rated to carry thousands of volts). This technique enables linemen to use their hands to complete the job while keeping the power on.
The use of hotsticks is another technique; that is, the act of manipulating insulated tools below the energized area to get electrical works done.
Installing and Maintaining Transformers and Other Equipment
Linemen select transformers based on voltage, polarity and impedance, and also based on customer demand.
Part of the lineman’s duties includes determining the correct transformer connection and proper fuse rating.
The List of Lineman Schools in Michigan
Below are lineman schools in Michigan or establishments that offer apprenticeships or lineman programs in Michigan.
- Northern Michigan University
- Alpena Community College
- Henry Ford College
- Lansing Community College
- Midwest Energy & Communications
Northern Michigan University
Electrical Line Tech at NMU: The electrical line technician (ELT) program is offered through a partnership between NMU and the Midwest Skills Development Center (MSDC).
Students will attend courses at the MSDC training site on the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Gwinn, Mich. Students will receive introductory elevated outdoor work-site field experiences related to electrical power transmission and work-site field experiences related to electrical power transmission and distribution systems, including climbing, pole setting and framing, guying and bucket and digger truck operation.
Students will also learn the principles of electricity and the fundamentals of current flow in series, parallel and compound circuits as well as the general safety rules used in the electrical power industry.
Applications of safety policies, personal responsibility, accident reporting procedures, and the safe use of various tools will be covered.
One-year certificate (32 credits): The electrical line technician certificate program prepares graduates for employment as professional linemen, able to install and repair cables, wires, and structures used in electrical transmission and distribution systems.
You may find yourself erecting poles and light or heavy-duty transmission towers, stringing conductors, and installing various pole top equipment, all while adhering to safe work practices and procedures, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment and electrical protective equipment, employing barriers around work areas, and the use of protective grounding.
Alpena Community College
ACC offers a one-year vocational certificate, an advanced certificate, or an associate in applied science (AAS) degree.
Both programs provide training to work as an entry-level line installer and repairer.
The Utility Technology program is designed to prepare students to construct, install, and repair electrical distribution, telephone, and CATV transmission systems.
It also helps prepare students to take the Michigan commercial driver’s license test.
Both the vocational certificate and AAS degree programs include two semesters of study of practical theory and hands-on training using actual equipment and materials in the classroom, laboratory, and field settings.
An AAS degree can be earned by completing an additional 24 credit hours of general education and program-related courses.
ACC has a dedicated site on campus where students install utility poles, wire lines, and install services using industry-standard equipment.
Students also learn how to operate a bucket truck, an underground trencher machine, and a digger truck.
Henry Ford College
Power and Trades Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship: Overhead Lineman Certificate of Achievement at Henry Ford College Introduces the fundamentals of the theory, skills, and knowledge of the operation and maintenance of overhead electrical distribution systems.
Electrical theory application for various distribution line construction and overhead line configurations, energizing and de-energizing techniques, troubleshooting, and grounding of overhead circuits are explored.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to identify and demonstrate personal and electrical safety procedures utilized in overhead distribution switching, isolating testing, and diagnostic applications. Find out how to enroll here.
Lansing Community College
LCC partners with Consumers Energy on the two-year program, which trains students to enter a line worker apprenticeship.
Once you have been accepted into the program, you will complete 13 months of intensive coursework which consists of a four-day Utility Lineworker orientation, two semesters of academic courses, and a 10-Week climbing school conducted at a utility training center.
Successful completion of this program will prepare you to get into lineworker apprenticeships with utility companies, or other occupations that require similar skills.
Midwest Energy & Communications
Once you join their team you will be enrolled in the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program, (JMAP), a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recognized program.
JMAP has partnered with Northwest Lineman College to provide an outstanding program of in-the-field and classroom learning.
Once you complete your apprenticeship at MEC you will receive your Journeyman B card and a DOL certification.
It will take you three to four years to complete the necessary on-the-job hours, fieldwork, and classroom training to complete the program.
They require all of their apprentices to agree to five years of service with MEC.
Apprentices who leave MEC before their five-year commitment is completed must pay back a pro-rated amount of their training costs. Visit their website.
How to Become a Lineman in Michigan
To become a lineman apprentice, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and submit an application to your local joint apprenticeship training committee (jatc).
In order for you to become a lineman, you need to be an apprentice first. And for you to become an apprentice, you need to attend a lineman school.
Entering into any trade school or technical institute usually requires the presentation of high school transcripts.
Once you have completed the program at that trade school, the next step is being hired as an entry-level apprentice at a utility.
At the state level, you must hold your master electrician license and pass an examination to build, repair, and maintain the powerlines that carry electricity to homes and businesses across our communities.
In addition, The Joint Michigan Apprentice Program is committed to producing safe, high-quality journeymen through exceptional, state-of-the-art apprenticeship training for the next generation of Michigan’s utility workers. Find out more about JMAP.
Lineman Apprenticeship in Michigan
Whether with a contractor or a utility, an apprenticeship usually requires about 7,000 hours of on-the-job training to achieve journeyperson status (about three and one-half years).
Job opportunities are available nationwide.
Once journeyperson status has been achieved, you will have a profession that is easily transportable and needed by most of the population — virtually anywhere in the world.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities vary and it depends on interest.
Usually, graduates find apprenticeships with electrical contractors and this normally requires extensive travel and a variable work site reporting location, or with electrical utilities, which usually result in a fixed work site reporting location.
Graduates may also find employment as cable TV and telephone installers. They can also find employment as communication tower installers or even with maintenance companies.
Career Opportunities:
- Overhead lineman
- Overhead contract lineman coordinator
- Field service representatives
- Storm assessment personnel.
Education Levels
of current workers
39% high school diploma
33% of some college
19% associate degree
4% bachelor’s degree
Median Earnings
$35/hr.
Projected Job Growth
to 2029
+2% (National)
+11% (Michigan)
Occupational Exposure/Risk
High Voltage Electrical and Physical Hazards (shock, falling/tripping).
All personal protection equipment (safety glasses, gloves, steel toe boots, fire retardant clothing, insulating tools, etc.) must be properly utilized to prevent injury, exposure, and/or death.
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