The best lineman schools in Illinois are included in this article, along with information on how to join the best lineman schools in Illinois.
You must be at least 18 years old to train as a lineman. You must apply to your local Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and, most significantly, possess a high school diploma or a GED (JATC).
A commercial driver’s license and an algebra grade of C or above are two additional prerequisites for some JATCs.
After applying to an apprenticeship program, you will have an interview, get a safety orientation before being matched with a power company lineman, and begin your classroom and on-the-job training.
Choose one of these best lineman schools in Illinois, as it will help sharpen your skills.
What are the Job Descriptions of a Lineman?
- A lineman safely and accurately prepares work sites with warning signs and secures areas.
- A Lineman operates diggers, bucket trucks, and hand tools near and around electrical distribution lines.
- Linemen locate underground electric cable faults for repair.
- They read and interpret wiring diagrams.
- They install primary and secondary overhead and underground electrical systems.
- They conduct work outdoors in various types of weather.
What are the Career Options for Graduates of Lineman Schools in Illinois?
- First-line supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
- Electricians
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
They directly supervise and coordinate the activities of construction or extraction workers.
Electricians
- Electricians install and maintain electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
- They make sure that the work complies with all applicable codes.
- They could set up or maintain intercom, street lighting, or electrical control systems.
- Average Hourly Rate: $35.46
- Average Annual Salary: $73750
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers install, program, maintain, or repair security or fire alarm wiring and equipment.
They ensure that work follows relevant codes.
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system are installed, inspected, tested, maintained, or repaired by signal and track switch repairers.
How Much is Lineman School in Illinois?
The Electrical Lineworker program, which lasts for 15 weeks, is offered at all four campuses for $17,450, with the costs for the required CDL education varying by state.
It prepares new lineworkers for work on power lines and heavy machinery. Prospective students looking at the Telecommunications Lineworker program will find one available at the Idaho campus.
Like many training centers, NLC has housing assistance for students in need. The TLP training course will run a student $8,900, but this program’s $380 CDL program is optional. NLC also offers financial assistance, including its $2,000 Keep America Connected Scholarship to qualified applicants and assistance for veterans.
You Should also check; 10 Best Lineman Schools in Virginia
What are the Best Lineman Schools in Illinois?
- City Colleges of Chicago
- Frontier Community College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- College of Dupage
- ABC Illinois Chapter
1. City Colleges of Chicago
Our list of lineman schools in Illinois includes City Colleges of Chicago because it provides an Advanced Certificate program in Electrical Line work (Overhead).
The curriculum is designed to fulfill the electrical power sector needs for overhead electricians and electrical line workers. The fundamental component of the software that is necessary is:
- Physical Training for Work I
- Progression in the Workplace
- Overhead Techniques & Projects in Basic Electrical Theory
- Techniques & Projects for Overhead
- Construction Rescue and Safety
- Physical Training for Work II
- Physical Training for Work III
- Operation of Power Equipment I
- Communications Proficiency
2. Lincoln Land Community College
The following programs are available from LLCC to help you prepare for an electrical distribution lineman job and rank among the best lineman schools in Illinois.
To fulfill program requirements, students must complete the LLCC Truck Driver Training program to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)-class A.
Students must pass the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) medical examination before taking the CDL test with the Illinois Secretary of State.
The program’s truck driver training requirement can be satisfied with competence credit for those holding a CDL-Class A license.
You either obtain the Electrical Distribution Lineman Associate in Applied Science (12 to 18 weeks) or the Electrical Distribution Lineman Maintenance Certificate of Achievement at the conclusion (completion time is 5 semesters).
- The associate’s degree program in electrical distribution lineman tuition and fees are calculated at the standard in-district rate of $153.00 per credit hour.
- The cost of the EDL 130 course, including fees, is $1,557.
- EDL 131 through 135 courses cost an average of $818 in tuition and fees.
- In addition to other program expenses, the truck driver training course (seven credits) is $3,900.
3. College of Dupage
The College of DuPage’s electrician program trains students for professions such as electricians, linemen, wiremen, inspectors, estimators, project managers, and contractors.
The program uses technical expertise and knowledge to set up, run, maintain, and fix electrical systems and equipment, making it among the best lineman schools In Illinois.
The program’s courses cover wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and home appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and codes and standards. They also cover the principles of electronics and electrical systems.
4. ABC Illinois Chapter
Their lineman program aims to prepare trainees for a career in the electrical field; NCCER offers a comprehensive, 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with DOL time-based standards for an apprenticeship, which makes it a part of the best lineman schools in Illinois.
5. Frontier Community College
The Frontier Community College Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) curriculum trains students to construct, maintain, and repair electrical distribution systems, which is also one of the best lineman schools in Illinois.
Additionally, students in this curriculum learn vital abilities such as pole climbing, injured person rescue, electric theory, and more.
Additionally, students learn in the classroom and an outdoor lab behind our Workforce Development Center (WDC).
During inclement weather, students will receive training at the indoor lab inside WDC.
This lab also incorporates extensive transformer theory into the program.
EDS classes are held every Tuesday through Thursday, allowing students to maintain a part-time job and/or other responsibilities.
Conclusion
These schools have the same mission in mind: prepare the next generation of lineworkers as the need expands in the wake of growth retirements and more powerful storms inflicting more significant damage on the nation’s infrastructure.
There are several lineworker training facilities across the United States. This list is just a few of the top ones available for those interested in a career in this growing field.
Many facilities offer financial aid and housing to help students needing those services, while others may want to look at a regional school to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I become a lineman instructor?
Most lineman instructor positions expect you to have a Journeyman Lineman Certification or a combination of formal training, such as completing an apprenticeship program and work experience that provides a foundation in the subject being taught.
Common firms that are often hiring for lineman instructors on Lineman Central include PG&E Corporation, Metropolitan Community College, and Lineman Institute of the Northeast.
What does a lineman instructor do?
A lineman instructor is a faculty member or training lead for a line or climbs school. A lineman instructor is often a journeyman lineman nearing the end of their career.
To succeed in this position, you should be interested in passing on your knowledge, education, and training to the next generation of linemen.
You will spend time with the aspiring lineman in the field and the classroom. This means demonstrating field techniques and safety procedures for all aspects of the trade.
Can women be power line workers?
In our annual survey of line workers across the country, only 5.6% of lineworkers in the US are female. Women can certainly be line workers.
Working in the energy sector requires both mental and physical strength. There are no specific gender requirements for line worker positions.
However, it is no secret that men more commonly hold these positions. In 2021 we saw the largest increase in female employment in the line trades in our annual survey.
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