Many states allow for would-be electricians to take all or part of their electrician training courses online. For finding lineman jobs and hands-on lineman training it may be necessary to find a local electrical training program, but for electrical theory, basic wiring diagrams and general education, an online electrical training program might work for you.
Physical Fitness for Electrical Linemen
Don't let a lifestyle of studying bring down your physique. Lineman are expected to climb up power poles in a storm and maneuver heavy tools. Stay in shape or you may find yourself trained for a job you can't work in. Utility companies won't hire you if they think you're not able to do the job. When you hit the books, hit the gym, too.
Courses in an Electrical Lineman Degree
Electricians who work with public utilities are expected to be able to calculate voltage and amperage, always striving for public safety. Your Electrician training courses will include advanced mathematics for use on the job.
General Education courses like English writing, some history and cultural studies may be included as prerequisites in an online college program. In order to get a degree, students sometimes have to take up to 2 years worth of general education courses that might not even be relevant to the degree you're seeking. These classes are designed to provide graduates with a well-rounded education.
For electrical training certificates or other technical certification courses, the general education courses aren't always required. Check your local public utility companies to see what sort of degree or certificate they require of linemen and apprentices before you enroll in any electrician school. You probably don't want to work toward a degree or certificate that won't help you get an electrician job.
Working as an Electrical Lineman
It's not for the fearful. As mentioned before, electrical linemen climb to the top of power poles in a storm. They're also expected to climb to the top in the hot sun, wearing heavy protective gear. Linemen work in extreme weather because that's when wiring is put to the test. It's not all bad, though. Who's the hometown hero when the lights come back on? That's right, the lineman who risked his life to restore power to the neighborhood.
Enrolling in lineman training courses, working closely with the hiring supervisors at your local utility company and signing up for lineman apprenticeships are important steps to take toward your career as an electrical lineman.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
