Electric Lineworker

Program Description

This program covers all areas of training required to work with electric lines including basic skills and studies of electricity, math, fundamentals of line work, transformer connections, and underground installation. In addition to training at the field location, all students will receive the following certificates of completion, which are critical requirements for lineworker employment: American Heart Association – First Aid, CPR and AED Training, OSHA 10-Hour Class, Use of Wood Pole Fall Restraints, Setup for Digger Derricks, Set-up for Aerial Unit Devices, Pole-top and Aerial Unit Rescue, Powered Industrial Truck Training (Forklift), and Basic Rigging Class. It is strongly recommended that students obtain their CDL after completing the program for optimal employment opportunities. With this certificate, students will be prepared for entry-level positions including temporary utility worker, groundman, and/or apprentice lineworker. 

Special Requirements

Climbing and working on poles and towers at a height of 50+ feet is required. Students receive field training and practical theory in all phases of powerline installation and maintenance. An outdoor laboratory covers climbing (with a Wood Pole Fall Arrest Device), setting and removing various sizes of poles (with the use of a Digger Derrick), guy work, conductors, stringing and splicing, transformers, street lights, installation of services and the use and care of safety equipment. Prospective students are encouraged to contact WCCC regarding physical requirements. This program begins only in the fall semester of each year.

This is a highly competitive program; applicants are encouraged to enroll early. Click here for the Lineworker program application checklist and information sheet.

Contact Information

Office of Student Services
WCCC, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670

ELCL 125 Job Training and Safety4 Credits

Job training and safety skills, including CDL, basic use and care of personal protective equipment and climbing equipment, daily job briefings, daily inspection of motorized equipment, and knot tying.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

ELCL 131 Electrical Distribution Theory I4 Credits

Pole setting techniques, framing methods and specifications, climbing, sagging and splicing of conductors, energizing and de-energizing of lines, and installation of protective grounds.

ELCL 131L Electric Distribution Lab4 Credits

Examination of the National Electric Safety Code, equipment operation, material records, knot tying, installation of protective grounds, pole climbing, replace insulators, replacing crossarms, conductor ties, and overhead line construction.

Fees: Yes.

ELCL 132 Electrical Distribution Theory II4 Credits

Installation and operation of protective equipment, transformer hookups, voltage regulation, hotstick maintenance, troubleshooting, and gloving from the pole. Four hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: ELCL 131.

Corequisites: ELCL 132L.

ELCL 132L Electrical Distribution Theory II Laboratory4 Credits

Installation and operation of protective equipment, transformer hookups, voltage regulation, hotstick maintenance, troubleshooting, and gloving from the pole and underground distribution.

Prerequisites: ELCL 131.

Corequisites: ELCL 132.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

ELCL 137 Advanced Electrical Distribution2 Credits

Meter safety, connector installation, street lighting, rubber cover up, and public relations. Two hours lecture, eight hours laboratory per week.

Corequisites: ELCL 137L.

ELCL 137L Advanced Electrical Distribution Laboratory4 Credits

Examination of meter safety, connector installation, street lighting, rubber cover up, and public relations.

Prerequisites: ELCL 125.

Corequisites: ELCL 137.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

ELCL 140 Underground Procedures4 Credits

Examination of safety practices, terminology, fault finding, cable locating, switching procedure, installation of terminal devices, splicing, and transformer application.

Corequisites: ELCL 132L.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

ELCL 145 Hot Line Procedures1 Credit

Two weeks of training by outside specialists covering current hotline maintenance and underground installation methods. Eight hours lecture, twenty-four hours laboratory per week.

Corequisites: ELCL 145L.

ELCL 145L Hot Line Procedures Laboratory2 Credits

Lab component required for ELCL 145.

Corequisites: ELCL 145.

Fees: Yes.

ELCL 195 Independent Study1 or 2 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

ELCL 196 Topics1 or 2 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

ELCL 199 Internship6 Credits

Opportunity for an individual to be employed for training by a utility company while maintaining his/her status as a Colorado Mesa University student. Provides excellent on-the-job training benefits. Students usually selected for this course by formal interview.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Eighteen hours per week, two semesters after completion of regular program.

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.