| Author | Message | ||
     Thumper74 |
I have the opportunity to get a job with a great company working lines. I have a couple relatives that work for the company that have given me an 'in'. I'm curious about how satisfied you are with your job. It seems like it would be somewhat rewarding as well as being independant of the economy because people will ALWAYS need electricity. Not to mention, I could probably get a job anywhere I would like to move. They are offering me a position at the company and offering to pay 100% tuition/books/etc for an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences with a focus on Electric Utility Technology. I love my job now, but I'm not a desk job kind of person. I enjoyed my job the most when it was hands on working in a shop. | ||
| Bjbauer |
My nephew completed a one year program in Power Line from the local vocational school. They have one and two year programs. Anyway, 100% of his class got jobs, most had multiple offers. Good pay and benefits. Hard work under sometimes difficult conditions but good work and you're right, they will always be needed. Good luck, bb | ||
| Iamike |
I have been in the utility business for 30 years now, not as a lineman but I work with them regularly. It is a dangerous and hard job. A lot of apprentices wash out. They have to understand a lot of mathmatics. We just had one of our substation apprentices electrocuted last week because he got in a hurry and went outside his 'safe zone'. But the benefits are that you are outside in the nice weather and ours with OT can make over $100,000/yr. With mechanics the stress on the body isn't quite as bad as it used to be but you will still climb once in ahwile. Working storms can be stressful but when the lights come back on it is very satisfying. I'd say to give it a shot as long as you're willing to work in pretty severe conditions and a lot of long hours. And there is always going to be a need for you. | ||
| Court |
I am a 3rd generation I.B.E.W. Lineman. No regrets and there are few industries in which the demand is growing so fast. | ||
| Court |
By the way . . if it would help I have a complete library of news articles about the rapid rate at which demand is increasing. One of my old pals in the industry started his own contracting company 8 years ago and just signed his first $1B (yep, that's a "B") contract for a huge transmission line and substation project. I've done two power plants (500MW Combined Cycle) in New York City and am aware of 5 more in the near future. The firm that I oversee construction for is currently in the midst of a $4B (another "B") construction program that has us working LOTS of OT through 2028. Lineman have become a rarity . . . . and some of the "we'll pay you anything, but you have to be here Monday" (two from Los Angles, one from Boston) remind me that it's never a bad thing, even with 5 degrees, to have a trade in your back pocket. I love the work. | ||
| Teeps |
Sounds like a great opportunity, but as with any job, look 20 or 30 years down the road. Is it the kind of job you will want to still be doing when your 50 or 60? | ||
| Thumper74 |
Court, sent you a PM. I'm interested in reading more about the industry. I really appreciate the input guys. It's going to be tough. The only thing holding me back is the apprenticeship program. They would be willing to make an exception so I can start school soon and get a headstart. The apprenticeship program is a $6.00/hr pay cut for me next summer. Due to their shortage of employees, I'm going to see if I can spread the internship over a longer period of time and work around my full time job... I've worked 100 hour weeks, this should be cake... | ||
| Igneroid |
I am a 3rd generation I.B.E.W. Lineman. What??? I thought you were a Rocket Surgeon or something?? | ||
| Court |
Don't worry about the pay cut . . . . it's a 4-year program, the time flies and besides folks are working so much darn overtime you won't feel any pain. >>> I thought you were a Rocket Surgeon or something?? That's my Uncle, Dr. Craig Fischer, Astronaut and Chief of Space Physiology for NASA and Director or Space Medicine for the International Space Station. Me? I'm a construction worker . . . I read it in a book. |
