Being An Outside Lineman : SELCAT (2024)

FAQs

Being An Outside Lineman : SELCAT? ›

Outside Linemen primarily install and maintain the overhead distribution and transmission lines that move electrical power from power plants to local consumers such as businesses, homes and factories.

Arguably, the toughest part about being a lineman isn't the physical rigor – it's the mental endurance. Yes, the job requires physical strength, but the mental grit required to maintain intense focus, make split-second decisions, and work for hours on end in punishing conditions is what separates the men from the boys.

To be a lineman, you must have incredible physical and mental strength. Working on the line means hauling gear, pulling thick cable and wire, and not minding having to work long hours day or night. Every day is different, from challenging jobsites to working in all types of extreme weather.

SELCAT prepares apprentices for a lifetime profession by providing 7,000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in just 3-1/2 years, for Underground Technician 4,000 of on-ther-job training, and 2 years to complete – and apprentices earn while they learn!

The pros and cons of being a lineman include good pay, and paid apprenticeship working with your hands, but it is also very hard work, both physically and emotionally demanding, and there's also the harsh working conditions with the potential for injury and death.

Every year, the lineman profession consistently ranks among the most dangerous jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrical power-line installers and repairers have a fatality rate of 20.3 per 100,000 full-time workers, nearly five times the national average for all occupations.

Algebra: Line workers will use algebra the most in their daily work. This type of math will help line workers calculate basic measurements when it comes to tool and equipment selections. Geometry: Properly setting up power lines requires at least a working understanding of calculating angles.

In their study of NFL linemen's hearts, Croft and Belanger (5) discovered that linemen had a 52% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population and a 3.7-fold greater risk of death from heart disease when compared to other position players.

Field Training and Classroom Instruction

Each apprentice is required to complete three years of related instruction away from the job for a minimum of 144 hours per year.

After 6,000 to 8,000 hours of training (approximately 3 ½ to 4 years) in your apprenticeship program, you will have reached journeyman lineman status and are ready to get to work!

Why do lineman make so much? ›

Storm Work Impacts the Pay of Lineman Jobs

Storm work for lineman is high paying for lineman jobs for several reasons: Utilities companies are in high demand as their customers are without power. Hourly pay is increased for both overtime work as well as travel time in some circ*mstances.

“The occupational work that a lineman does certainly puts a strain on the muscles and joints. Add in working in all kinds of weather often high above the ground and you'll see an increased risk of muscular-skeletal injuries.”

It takes a certain type of person to become a lineman. It is not the right career for everyone. Working as a lineman does take some strength, stamina, and agility. Strength – you may be tasked with setting up street poles, hauling gear, and pulling thick cables that will take some strength to complete.

According to national lineman surveys and utility company data, 42 for every 100,000 lineman are killed on the job each year. This makes lineman jobs one of the most dangerous only behind loggers and manual laborers in agriculture.

It's not uncommon for lineworkers to experience back and knee pain, especially later in life after they've been working for years climbing poles, repairing cables, digging holes, and handling heavy materials.