There are top schools in Alabama for students who want to pursue a career as a lineman or a line worker.
These schools teach students the basic skills needed in their careers. These skills range from installing, repairing, and maintaining high-power voltage electrical lines and systems.
Electricians specializing in power lines originating from power plants and extending to individual homes or buildings are usually called “linemen.”
Linemen’s work also ranges from installing power lines to repairing overhead and underground electrical cables.
A lineman can work for several electrical companies, including utility companies, energy companies, and telecommunication companies.
This article will answer all unanswered questions about lineman schools in Alabama and lineman responsibilities.
Are there Lineman Schools in Alabama?
Several schools specializing in training linemen in Alabama are open to both Alabama residents and out-of-state students. They are:
- Calhoun Community College
- Coastal Alabama Community College
- Shelton State Community College
- Bevill State Community College
- NorthWest Shoals Community College.
How Long is Lineman School in Alabama?
The Average Program in Alabama takes four years to complete. To become a journeyman lineman, you must complete on-the-job, technical, and exam training.
Also Read: 10 Best Lineman Schools in Texas
How Much Do Linemen Make in Alabama?
Several reports have shown that electrical linemen earned between $69,380 and $70,350 annually in May 2017.
However, In Alabama, the salary of linemen ranges between $72,136 and $79,214.
How Much Does Lineman School Cost in Alabama?
Usually, The most considerable amount of college costs is tuition, Especially at the undergraduate level. For any college or training school, students are required to pay fees, which gives the student entrance into the class.
Furthermore, with this, it is essential to know that the cost of lineman school cost in Alabama is $4,150. However, some schools usually include the cost of tools, equipment, and boots in their tuition, and others do not. It is pertinent to find out if your choice school had this additional fee in their education or if it would be paid separately.
What are the Best Lineman Schools in Alabama?
There are several lineman schools in Alabama, and before they are qualified to be called the best, they must fulfill several tests and requirements. From parents and students review to affordability to student-faculty ratio etc.
Below are Some of the best lineman schools in Alabama:
#1 Calhoun Community College
The Calhoun Community College Pre-Apprentice Line-worker course provides the necessary skills and qualifications desired by utility companies and contractors in the North Central Alabama region.
The Requirements for studying this course in Calhoun include
- High school diploma or GED; Must be 18 years of age.
- CDL Permit – Class A or B
- DOT Physical/Drug Screen – Drug Screen must be dated within 30 days of the course start date.
- 3-Year Motor Vehicle History (Driving Record) – Must be dated within 30 days of the course start date.
- Calhoun Workforce Solutions registration packet– complete after online registration.
The course also ensures that students are well-grounded in these skills;
- Pole-Top Rescue
- Framing and Construction
- Confined Space Awareness
- Flagger – Training
- Ropes and Knot-tying
Calhoun College lastly gives students training in the following:
- Digger-Derrick/Pole Setting
- Rigging
- Transformers- hanging, and connection
- Underground distribution
- Electrical theory and application
- Substation design, maintenance, and safety
Lastly, Calhoun College has an annual tuition of $ 8,930
Read Also: 10 Best Lineman Schools in New York
#2 Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College is another exceptional training center for linemen in Alabama. Its annual tuition is $8,850
The Certifications offered under Applied Technologies: Plate Welding, Pipe Welding, Electrical Technology, Automotive Body Repair, and Automotive Technology.
In addition, the Electrical and Instrumentation Technology program is designed to help students exit the program with hands-on skills and knowledge recognized by industry partners as the key competencies to succeed in the field of instrumentation technology.
This is a career program that is specially designed for students to go directly into the labor market upon completion. Although some of the courses in this program will transfer to four-year institutions, this program is not designed to be a transfer program of study.
#3 Shelton State Community College
The Electrical Technology program of Shelton College teaches the theories and principles of the operation of electrical appliances, equipment, and machines; the installation and auxiliary services of motors, transformers, industrial controls, and programmable logic controllers; and preparation for the journeyman electrician examination.
Various related laboratory projects allow students to practice knowledge and skills. Furthermore, projects requiring interpretation of the National Electrical Code for correct installation and material use will be assigned to test proficiency in this area of instruction.
Students will have an opportunity to take the nationally recognized Electrical NOCTI test.
Lastly, their annual tuition of Shelton is $4,500
#4 Bevill State Community College
Bevill College is a top lineman training school focusing on Career and Technical- Welding, Vehicle Technology and Repair, and Industrial Mechanical Maintenance Technology.
However, as a graduate in the electrical systems field from Bevill State Community College, individuals are qualified to seek positions as journeymen electrical installers with heavy industry, utilities and commercial contractors, industrial maintenance or electricians, commercial electricians, or residential construction and wiring.
In the electronics field, various occupations include industrial electronics, computer repair, and communications electronics technicians, computer net-workers, computer and data processing service technicians, and durable goods manufacturers.
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#5 Northwest-Shoals Community College
Northwest Shoals College is a training center that most people around Alabama who have a passion for lineman training are likely to attend because of its exceptional standards and skilled training.
The lineman program for Northwest Shoals includes Automotive Service Technology, Design Engineering Technology, Welding, and Electrical Technology.
Furthermore, electrical students at Northwest Shoals Community College will be trained to design, stage, and install commercial and residential electrical wiring for power control systems from “rough-in” to “finish.”
Also, according to the National Electrical Code, they will gain the skills to supply power to a wide range of systems and structures.
Lastly, Before completing their degree, students will be experienced in troubleshooting electrical circuits for safe and efficient operation.
#6 Bishop State Lineman Workers
Bishop State, Alabama Power, and other utility partners prepare students to work as line workers. This program houses three classrooms and a learning laboratory. There is also an outdoor hands-on training field where future line workers can practice their newly learned skills.
It should be noted that Bishop State has its requirements, just as every other regular university or college.
The requirements for the Bishop State Line-worker training include the following;
- Must be 18 years old
- Submit to drug screenings
- Climbing and working suspended above ground up to 200 feet
- Students weigh no more than 280 pounds due to OSHA equipment restrictions.
- Fitness is required.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
- An ACT score of at least 18 within the last three years. An Adult Basic Education (TABE) test is required if an individual does not meet the ACT requirements. TABE requires a grade equivalent of at least 6 in reading and math
- Ability to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Ability to earn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate
- Ability to make OSHA 10 Safety Certificates
- Ability to travel for storm restoration in the state, southeast & other parts of the country as needed
Lastly, the annual tuition cost of Bishop State lineman training costs about $4,400
Read Also: 10 Best Lineman Schools in Virginia
#7 Wallace Community College
Wallace Community College is a community college in Dothan, Alabama. The college enrolls 3,958 students and has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1969.
Pre-apprentice Electrical Line-worker is entry-level employees who work in the electrical distribution industry.
Usually, Wallace College Students who complete this course of study find employment with power companies, electric cooperatives, municipal electric companies, and electrical contracting and construction firms.
Also, this 7-week program can be very stressful, both physically and mentally demanding. Students must be able to work aloft without a fear of heights.
Lastly, the total college cost for Wallace College is $4,150.
#8 Birmingham Electricity JATC
Birmingham Electrical JATC has trained electricians since 1942 through an apprenticeship training program. The BEJATC joins study hall and hands-on training to develop talented tradespeople who have gone through five years of service under qualified electricians.
While in the program, you will be provided all-day work with serious wages. You will have full family insurance with dental and vision.
#9 Trenholm State Community College
H. Council Trenholm State Community College is a historically black community college in Montgomery
Through the ten-week course, students learn the fundamentals of electricity and math and science needed to work on power lines.
In addition to classroom instruction, students receive hands-on practice in an outdoor learning laboratory, honing
their new skills to be job-ready upon graduation. Skills include OSHA 10, Construction and Skills Trades (CAST) Test Prep, Basic Pole Climbing, and CPR/First Aid.
Note that one of the requirements for Trenholm is that students must be 18 years old the day before screening/pole climbing evaluation.
#10 Jefferson State Community College
Jefferson State Community College is a public community college with multiple campuses in Alabama.
Jefferson State launched the program in 2020 and, in March 2021, graduated its inaugural class of 10 trainees. Within a week, the graduates had interviews with various utility companies and expected job offers shortly after.
The school expects to train and place around 40 students each year through the program, emphasizing connecting young women and minority trainees to fill line worker vacancies in the area.
Furthermore, the vision of Jefferson State Community College is to be recognized as the most effective community college in the state of Alabama by providing individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to function in a technologically demanding society.
Are There Lineman Schools In Montgomery, Alabama?
Alabama is a big state in the US and has several regions, and these regions have different lineman schools to serve students in these areas.
- Alabama Community College
- Lead Academy
- South-Lawn Elementary
- Evangel Christian Academy.
Are There Electrical Lineman Schools in Alabama?
The Electric Line-worker program covers all areas of training needed for those who desire to become apprentice electric linemen.
Students learn the basics of becoming a lineman. There are several of these schools around Alabama.
- Alabama Power Lineman Training School
- Birmingham Electrical JATC
- Alabama Power Substation Training School
- Wallace Community College
Are there Lineman Pre- Apprenticeship in Alabama?
Pre-apprenticeship Electrical Line-workers are often entry-level employees who deal in the electrical utility industry. Students who complete this course frequently get employment with power companies, electrical cooperatives, municipal electric companies, and electrical contracting and construction firms.
The program usually runs for seven weeks and is physically demanding. Students must be able to work without a fear of heights.
Its cost is $4,150, and it includes books, boots, hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
Read Also: Best Lineman Schools in Illinois
What are Alabama Lineman schools’ requirements?
Just like regular universities and colleges, lineman schools also have requirements that aspiring students must complete before they are accepted into the school.;
- High School diploma or its equivalent
- State Issued Photo ID
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical examination
- A two-year driving history from the State Troopers’ office
- Must be at the legal age of at least 18 years
- Must have a weight limit of 275 lbs.
What are the Best Lineman Jobs in Alabama?
Aerial Lineman Worker Salary Ranges from $ 36-500 – 46,500 per year
The role of an Aerial Lineman is a specially trained employee with expertise in the construction and repair of overhead plant or RF/ Fiber lines.
The Lineman also has extensive training in specialty equipment to service these overhead projects. A Lineman will also have a comprehensive and practical knowledge of the RF and Fiber network makeup, its operation, and network assets for troubleshooting and repair as well as new construction.
# Journeyman Lineman Worker Salary Ranges from $36,000 to $95,990 per year
journeyman lineman builds and maintains the electrical power system. This high-level position requires several years of experience in the field. In this career, you construct, support, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems above and below ground.
Your duties require;
- You should be able to lift 50 pounds and be comfortable working at heights up to 60 feet, as you climb poles and lift equipment regularly.
- Apply Safety measures while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized systems.
- Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools
- Perform all other related work as required to complete the job
- Able to function within a Team environment
- Capable of properly inspecting and using appropriate PPE and cover-up
- Must have a Class A CDL or the ability to earn one
- Must be willing to travel
Apprentice Line Worker’s average salary is $45,209 per year
An apprentice Line-worker duties will consist of installations, alterations, additions, and repairs of electrical systems and associated materials and equipment within the distribution and high voltage transmission and electrical substation industry.
He also performs duties necessary to complete an assigned task under the direct supervision of a Journeyman, Foreman, or Superintendent.
The employee should keep all materials, tools, and equipment orderly and maintain a clean work area. Demonstrating safe work ethics and proper care for tools and equipment.
Underground Lineman’s average salary is $63,273 per year
Underground Lineman work with a team of well-trained officials to safely install and replace underground electrical connections. The duties of an Underground Lineman include working in an outdoor construction setting and doing a physically demanding job. Underground Lineman operates using various construction equipment and assists craft workers in performing their assigned duties.
He may require skills such as;
- Capable of performing essential bucket rescue/escape
- Understands the basic concepts of equipment setup and grounding
- Capable of working at heights and in confined spaces
- Understands minimum approach distance
- Capable of checking voltage on transformers
- Capable of installing and removing a service
- Works in underground trenches and maintenance holes
- Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is lineman school in Alabama?
How much does an apprentice lineman make in Alabama?
What are the different types of Lineman?
Conclusion
Before choosing a career such as becoming a Lineman, we hope you have weighed the pros and cons. Because linemen are men and women who fix/build electrical systems. Their job is hazardous because they deal with electricity and sometimes heights.
However, we hope this article helps you make an excellent choice in choosing a wonderful Lineman program in Alabama.
Good luck!!
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