Electrical lineworkers (ELWs) have skills and job opportunities that are very rare in the modern age. At a time when jobs are always changing and becoming obsolete, the electrical lineworker stays stable.

When storms arrive, someone needs to repair the electrical distribution system. The work is steady, the wages are solid, and the company culture is loyal. Like police officers, the first priority is returning safely home to one’s family. If you believe in safety, stability, loyalty, and toughness, come to KVCC’s lineworker program.

The Electrical Lineworker Technology program is a one (1) year certificate program. The program will provide students with the technical background and the manual skills necessary for careers in the installation and maintenance of electrical power, telephone, and cable television systems. Safety, pole climbing, and teamwork are emphasized throughout the program while the student learns and performs overhead and underground construction.

Students will be exposed to such curriculum topics as AC/DC electrical theory, field training, occupational safety, line construction theory, tree trimming and line clearance, rigging, transformers, basic telecommunications, and utility metering. Approximately two-thirds of the program will be devoted to strenuous hands-on skills, allowing students to develop a high degree of proficiency in the use of electrical lineworking equipment and procedures.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The Electrical Lineworker Technology Program has specific admission requirements.  Please refer to the following link for additional information:

Check Your Prerequisites – KVCC (me.edu)

Criminal Background Check

Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check will be required while they are enrolled in the program or as a condition of employment in the field. Certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or profession in which you are interested has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department Chair or Program Director.

Program Information

Educational Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Electrical Lineworker Technology program, the graduate is expected to:

  1. Practice the electrical and telecommunications skills of the profession in a conscientious, responsible, and accountable manner while recognizing the need to continue to expand their technical knowledge and skills.
  2. Safely climb poles and operate line bucket trucks and pole setting equipment when performing overhead line construction.
  3. Use critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques, along with acquired analytical skills, to solve problems encountered in residential, commercial, or industrial field situations.
  4. Work as part of a team when performing the tasks associated with electrical line work.

Career Opportunities

Electrical Lineworker Technology is a fast-growing field with tremendous career growth opportunities. Areas of employment for graduates are numerous, and include:

  • Electrical Line Contractors
  • Telephone Companies
  • Cable Television Companies
  • Line Construction Firms

View Gainful Employment data for this career field.

Maine Employers:

  • Central Maine Power
  • On Target Utility Services
  • Cianbro
  • IBEW 104
  • Burns & McDonnell
  • L.E. Myers Co.

Required Climbing Gear and Tools

Climbing gear and all necessary tools for the field portion of the program are also required; the climbing gear and tools range in price from $2,000-$2,500. In addition, students are required to have lineworker safety toe boots with steel shanks; these boots range from $200 to $300.

List of Required Gear and Tools

 

Safety

Safety is top priority in the lineworker program. When lineworkers start climbing poles, early in the first semester, they climb with safety harnesses that are attached to fall protection devices until they are comfortable with the procedure of pole climbing. Set up and operational use of digger and bucket trucks are emphasized with safety films and field training. Other areas of safety related topics included in this program are:

  • Hard hat, eye, hand, and foot protection
  • First aid/CPR, pole top and bucket rescue
  • Ladder safety and OSHA safety rules
  • Grounding procedures
  • Rubber gloving energized conductors (simulated)
  • Driving Dynamics

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Enrollment Services
(207) 453-5822
Enrollment@kvcc.me.edu