Program Overview

Introduction to the Electrical Lineworker Certificate Program

The Electrical Lineworker Certificate Program is a one-year pre-apprenticeship certificate program designed to provide students with the technical background and manual skills necessary for careers in the installation and maintenance of electrical power cables. This training applies to other industries such as cable television companies, telephone companies, and line construction contractors.

Program Overview

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes topics such as:

• AC/DC electrical theory
• Field training
• Occupational safety
• Line construction theory
• Rigging
• Transformers Students will have access to a large outdoor training field for pole climbing, line construction, bucket-truck operation, and erecting power lines using power-line construction trucks, with a strong emphasis on safety, pole climbing, and teamwork.

Curriculum and Training

In addition to classroom instruction, students will gain extensive hands-on experience building power lines and practice both overhead and underground techniques. As part of the required curriculum, students will participate in cooperative education with a New Mexico electric cooperative or a private firm that performs electrical line work.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Electrical Lineworker program, graduates are expected to:

• Practice electrical skills in a conscientious, responsible, and accountable manner
• Safely climb poles and operate line bucket trucks and pole setting equipment
• Use acquired analytical skills to solve problems encountered in field situations Graduates will be prepared to join the electrical power industry workforce as safe and knowledgeable apprentices.

Program Admissions Criteria

The following items are required for successful admission into the Electrical Lineworker program:

• Admission to DACC
• Background check through the designated affiliate (adverse findings may disqualify a student from acceptance into the program)
• Drug screening
• Human Performance Evaluation; Very Heavy Test

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for advancement into supervisory and management positions within electrical power companies are possible, but will require consistently high job performance and solid leadership skills. The program provides a foundation for careers in the electrical power industry, including cable television companies, telephone companies, and line construction contractors.