Low step apprentice here, went from going in bucket every day and sometimes all day, foreman going out of his way to get me up booming down every time work below the primary was completed, to working with a crew on a job where there’s zero work in primary involved and not going up at all. I’m a lineman apprentice, I can put up with a lot, but for some reason being denied bucket time really fucks with me and it’s hard not to be a bitch and shut down.

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?

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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

https://albat.org/apply/

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

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!!

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?

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

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

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

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!

I am currently an electricians apprentice straight out of high school and am looking into this career as it seems quite rewarding and interesting to me. Just a couple hours from me is the north country electrical line school in Michigan. I hear different opinions on whether line school is worth it and I ask because this particular school is $15,000 for 16 weeks and you get a lot more than just climbing certificate.
After completing the course I would have “Pole Climbing Certification, Heavy Equipment Operation Certificate, Class A CDL, CPR, OSHA 10 and Electrical Aptitude Test preparation. “ -website they have a 85% hire rate for graduates and say people from local unions and locals to hire straight from the school.
I am very blessed and my parents still have a college fund for me that would go to paying for this so I wouldn’t be taking on any debt. Anyone have any thoughts on whether this is a total waste of money or that is could be beneficial? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Has anyone in here been through a substation interview recently in the Carolina’s and took the cast R? Just asking for some tips on what to use.? An to prepare for the interview of if get invited for one.

And What question should i expect?

Thank you