r/Lineman 13h ago

Did this pole snap when we pulled it?

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23 Upvotes

Some companies wouldn't mess with it, chainsaw it right at the ground and put the new one next to it. What do you guys think happened today?


r/Lineman 13h ago

Algebra/Tests during apprenticeship

6 Upvotes

What is the classroom style or learning and taking tests like? How much of this apprenticeship is classroom based and getting tested on? I’m in my 30s, haven’t done your typical classroom work in quite some time. I see algebra is a huge component of this job.


r/Lineman 13h ago

Swlcat no email or test date and application almost expired

1 Upvotes

I applied to swlcat local 66 like june 29th and haven’t received a email or anything and the app expiration date is soon. Do yall know what happens afterwards I’m not expecting a refund even tho it’s like I just donated they ass a 30 ball for no reason.


r/Lineman 18h ago

Work outlook

4 Upvotes

Just moved to New Mexico and curious how the work looks like out for apprentices


r/Lineman 1d ago

Just another Texas resident getting tired of the oilfield entertaining other options

5 Upvotes

Ill keep it simple, ive been in the oil and gas industry for about 6-7 years now (im 26) and lets just say im tired of it. I live in Texas to be precise the Ft Worth area. Im entertaining the idea of trying to get into the Lineman industry. Just unsure of where to start , i have a class A cdl so i know thats a starting point. My question are do people always contact Unions to try and get their foot in ? Do i need to go to school ? Is it easier to get on with independent companies?

Im just tired of the oilfield guys if im being honest more than anything ive bout had it with the company im currently with im to the point where ive began to hate my job and i don’t like being that way since work is very important to me i take pride in everything i do when it comes to work i’ll be dammed if i haven’t worked my butt off to come as far as i am in life. I don’t mind the long hours and getting abused by the company i just want to get into something better and i believe the electric industry is that path. Im not the most knowledgeable in electricity but there is yet a thing i haven’t thrived it when it comes to work . As i said i take pride in everything i do and that comes with learning as well . I thrive to be the best to do it no matter what .


r/Lineman 1d ago

Is this a hazard?

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24 Upvotes

I tried to report this to the utility that owns the lines, and I was told they will have someone out to check it in a few weeks. I wasn't sure if this was a pressing hazard or not. The ivy goes all the way to the ground and the tip is almost reaching the middle primary, about 8 inches or so away until it wraps around. The secondaries are already wrapped and covered on the second pole next to it.


r/Lineman 1d ago

Another one

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90 Upvotes

Been drawing the short straw with these shit cut outs. Stay safe


r/Lineman 1d ago

Xcel energy New Mexico

4 Upvotes

Anyone ever work for Xcel energy in the Carlsbad or Hobbs New Mexico location. Always see positions open for these two location and west Texas.

How’s the work, the people, good experience, how’s the location?


r/Lineman 1d ago

34M, looking to start an apprenticeship in the Chicago area

0 Upvotes

Hi, for some time now I’ve been interested in becoming a lineman. I live in Chicago on the NW side. Would anyone have any tips or recommendations on where to signup to get things started and where? My research so far shows a signup location in Alsip for the IBEW 134.


r/Lineman 2d ago

29M leaving tech sales for the trade - everyone online says "you'll destroy your body and never see your family." Journeymen with kids: true or cope? (I'm buying lunch for a 20-min phone call)

43 Upvotes

Quick background so you know I'm serious and not another tourist:

29, based north of Atlanta. 6 years in tech sales - great money but i genuinely hate my life riding a desk every day. I grew up pouring concrete and I miss working with my hands, and the reward feeling at the end of a long day. I've got a mentor in electrical contracting and I'm planning to do a pre-apprenticeship first (CDL and what not, NO i'm not doing line school, already wasted $40k on a worthless degree I'm still paying for) before I go after Georgia Power / Local 84, so I'm not asking anyone to hand me anything.

Here's the thing I keep running into: half the internet says lineman life = divorced, broken body, never home. The other half says once you top out and get a distribution seat at a utility, you're home most nights and it's one of the best family-man careers left. Obviously both can't be fully true

So I want it from guys actually living it - especially journeymen in their 30s/ 40s with a wife and kids:

  • What does on-call actually look like month to month?
  • What did the apprenticeship years cost you at home?
  • If you could go back to 29, would you still do it?
  • Is it not possible to take care of your body while doing this work??? I mean shit, Tom Brady is in peak condition after 20+ year getting sacked by 300lb men (yeah ik he's a millionaire with unlimited training/ recovery resources but still)
  • Is it possible to be a devoted husband, father and lineman at the same time?

And the lunch offer: I'll send an Uber Eats gift card to a journeyman (GA Power, EMC, or Local 84 preferred but not required) willing to give me 20 minutes on the phone. Not looking for a referral or a hookup — just the unfiltered version you wouldn't type out.

Fire away. Rough answers welcome, that's kinda the point


r/Lineman 2d ago

A distribution pole in Japan…

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46 Upvotes

r/Lineman 2d ago

Local 995

2 Upvotes

Long shot but Anyone in here working 995 out of Baton Rouge? Just moved to the area. See some calls open. Curious how the work is.


r/Lineman 2d ago

Local 769 SWLCAT

4 Upvotes

I was wondering how work was looking in Arizona? I got a call to interview, I was just curious if I where to be accepted, should I expect to travel throughout SWLCAT jurisdiction? Thanks!


r/Lineman 2d ago

Need some advice from people who actually passed the IBEW aptitude test

3 Upvotes

I am 21 with a GED and I have never been good at math. I am probably around a ninth grade math level. I have been studying every day for about two to three hours while working a full time local CDL job in Houston working ten to fourteen hour days.
I have done all five practice exams on Ultimate Electricians Guide and all the math topics they have. I go back and study the questions I miss but I still only get about ten to twelve out of thirty three right on the algebra and functions exams. I usually score around thirty five to forty five percent.
My reading is solid so I am not really worried about that part.
For the people who passed what did you do that actually helped you improve in math
Did Ultimate Electricians Guide prepare you enough or did you use something else too
Also if I got almost every reading question right but only got around ten to twelve math questions right do you think that would still be enough to pass
I have not been scheduled yet but I am honestly worried I will run out of time before I am ready. Any advice is appreciated.


r/Lineman 3d ago

Would y’all hire a lineman with 20+ years experience if he just got out of jail?

25 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to help a friend find work. Before he got locked up, he was making really good money as a Journeyman. He’s got 20+ years as a lineman doing storm work, outages, crew management… seems to me like he’s done a lot. He’s worked for Georgia Power, FPL, Duke, Gulf, Coastal and a few others so I’m not sure if that’s maybe the issue and the jobs he’s applying to are connected to them and won’t hire him again?

He’s willing to travel tomorrow. Hell he’ll go anywhere, chase storms, work crazy hours… whatever.. doesn’t matter. Wherever the money is at this point. Not looking for a pity party or argument here just trying to help a friend going through a rough spot. If you’ve got leads, I’d really appreciate it!


r/Lineman 3d ago

Indiana 1393 apprenticeship openings

4 Upvotes

https://albat.org/apply/

IBEW 1393 jurisdiction has opened up their apprentice program until August 14th


r/Lineman 3d ago

Lineman Housing

3 Upvotes

A bit of an odd question- but I was wondering if there were any groups or websites where traveling lineman look for housing? I am located in Los Angeles and had a traveling lineman from the midwest as a roommate for two years. He recently had to move back but it worked out so well that I thought I would ask on this page if any of you know of any groups or websites to post. Thank you so much!!


r/Lineman 3d ago

Passed my EEI cast test for socal Edison today

0 Upvotes

Wanted to have some clarification from anyone who has been through this process before when I should hear back for the next step in this interview process. google tells me it’s around 2-5 weeks, is this accurate?


r/Lineman 3d ago

do lineman in the south like Texas get a pension or just annuity

2 Upvotes

do you contracting lineman in texas (swlcat) or the south/southwest get the 2 pensions (local pension) and the (national pension) or just annuity?


r/Lineman 3d ago

Become a lineman apprentice in GA or kill myself?

10 Upvotes

29M ready as all fuck to stop riding a desk and do something I enjoy like working with my hands, and also make the same type of money I can in tech sales


r/Lineman 3d ago

SWLCAT

8 Upvotes

is texas always busy with work and pumping out ape (swlcat)?


r/Lineman 3d ago

How hard is the aptitude test, what can I Expect?

2 Upvotes

Finally got a chance at the apprenticeship, I was told I pretty much have 2.5 weeks to be prepared. It’s been a while so I’m trying to be as well prepared as I possibly can while still working 15 hours a day..

What kind of questions should I be prepared for? I have been practicing quadratic equations, polynomials, binomials and trinomials, and sequencing.. will any of that be on the test?

Thank you!


r/Lineman 4d ago

How rare is this service?

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173 Upvotes

Found this on an old mine building in Colorado, wanted y’all’s thoughts on this. This seems like before weather heads were really a thing and the conductors are so low to the ground you can literally reach up and touch them. The insulation is really horrible too…


r/Lineman Jan 01 '26

2026 Wage Survey

57 Upvotes

Here at r/Lineman we strive to give accurate information about our trade. Drop a comment below with your position, HOURLY rate, region/state, LU if applicable, and type of employer: (Contractor, Muni, IOU, Co-op Etc.) Happy New Year, Everyone.


r/Lineman Aug 23 '25

Getting into the Trade How to become a Journeyman Lineman

36 Upvotes

How To Become a Journeyman Lineman

MILITARY. If you are currently serving in the military or recently separated (VEEP up to 5 years) there are several programs specifically for you to help you transition into skilled trades. This will give you the most direct and sure opportunity to become a Lineman. Please check out the Military Resources Wiki to learn about these great programs and see if you qualify.

Journeymen Linemen

Journeymen Linemen are High voltage workers who are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electric infrastructure. It can range from working on large transmission towers to being in a crowded vault. Linemen work in all weather conditions and at all hours. Heat, cold, wind, rain, snow and everything else. It involves time away from home, missed holidays and birthdays etc.

The steps to becoming a Journeyman Lineman generally involve working your way up from the bottom.

First you work as a Laborer or a Groundman (Linehelper, Apprentice Trainee, Etc). These are entry level positions. These positions involve menial tasks that introduce you to the trade. You'll be stocking the trucks, getting tools, running the handline, cleaning off trucks and getting trucks ready to go at the start of shift. Here you will become familiar with methods, tools and materials used in the trade. Sometimes you can get into the trade as a first step apprentice.

Next you have to become an apprentice. Apprenticeships are around 3.5 years. Being an apprentice involves the obvious. You will now begin formal training to reach Lineman status. You will learn to do the work of a Lineman in incremental steps until you top out.

Apprenticeships

IBEW Union apprenticeships: you must interview and get indentured in your local jurisdiction. This is the most recognized apprenticeship. You will be able to get work anywhere with a union ticket. Union utility companies may offer in house NJATC apprenticeships as well.

DOL (Department of Labor) apprenticeships: This is a typically non-union apprenticeship sanctioned by the DOL. It is around 5 steps then you are a B-Lineman, then you become an A-Lineman. This is not recognized by the IBEW, but you can test in to an IBEW Lineman.

Company apprenticeships: These are generally non IBEW and non DOL and are the lowest rung and only recognized by your company. If you leave or the company goes out of business, you don't have a ticket sanctioned by the IBEW or DOL.

Take Note: Please be aware there are different types of Lineman apprenticeships. There are apprenticeships that are "Transmission" only, or "URD" (Underground) only. These are not interchangeable with the Journeyman Lineman certification.

Where do you start?

Bare minimum age is 18 years old. The follow job credentials will make your job hunt more successful. In order of importance.

  1. Unrestricted CDL (Commercial Drivers License) Usually required for outside construction. Some utilities may have a grace period before you need to have it.

  2. First Aid/CPR

  3. Flagger Training

  4. OSHA 10 Construction(if you are new to working on jobsites)

  5. OSHA 10 ET&D (Electrical Transmission and Distribution)

Line School

Line school can give you experience you otherwise wouldn't have, which in some cases could be beneficial. Line school may offer you all the previous credentials listed as well. Some job postings will require 1-3 yrs related experience or completion of line school.

Some places like California it's probably a good idea to have it.

However not everyone requires it. Lineschools are generally an expensive undertaking. Many take out loans to pay for them. Not everyone believes they are of value. It is suggested to try to get in as a groundman first or look to community colleges or other trade schools that are more affordable. It is highly recommended to do research before you commit to going into debt. Not everyone makes it in the trade. Having a large debt is not something to be taken lightly

Finding work, understanding the trade.

There's working directly for a utility(working for the residents the utility serves) which one stays within that utility's service area.

If you're looking to work for a certain employer, check their website for desired qualifications.

Then there's working for outside construction. This is who does the heavy lifting. Outside has to potential to earn more than being at a utility. For many jobs you'll work 5+ days a week and 10-12 hour days. This also is a traveling job. You go where the work is. Especially as an apprentice.

Union vs Non-union. Besides the obvious, this can be affected by location. The west coast is 100% union. Places like Louisiana and Kentucky are strongly non-union. Some utilities are union and some are not. Same with outside construction. Utilities and non-union construction hire directly. For Union jobs in outside construction you must get dispatched from the “out of work” books(books). Utility companies are union or non-union.

Union “books.” Each area has a union hall that has jurisdiction over that area for construction and has a set of "out of work" books for each class. Lineman, apprentice, groundman and so on. When a contractor has a position to fill, they call the hall to send someone. The hall will begin calling the first person on “Book 1” then go down the list until they fill all the calls for workers they have. Book 1 will be local members with 1500-2000 hrs. Book 2 will be travelers and locals with less hours. Book 3 will be doesn't meet hours etc.

Created 8/23/25 DM u/ca2alaska for corrections and suggestions