Outside Lineman Apprenticeship

Program Description

As a journeyman lineman you’ll build, maintain and repair the power lines that carry electricity to homes and businesses. When you apply for the Northwest Line Outside Lineman Program you’ll be taking the first step to a career that not only has a tremendous impact on the people you serve, but one that will have a positive impact on your future as well.

After completion of this program, you can be proud to say, you are a journeyman lineman from the northwest.

Apprenticeship in a Nutshell

Apprenticeship is a training strategy that combines supervised, structured on-the-job training with related theoretical instruction. The training program is sponsored by employers or labor/management groups that have the ability to hire and train in a work environment.

Apprenticeship prepares people for skilled employment, with the content of the training defined and dictated by the needs of a particular industry.

Program Requirements

Typical apprenticeship programs span 2-5 years with a minimum of 144 hours of related supplemental instruction each year. The program requirements are clearly delineated in Federal & State laws and regulations. A registered apprenticeship requires a signed, written agreement (indenture) between the sponsor and apprentice. The apprentice agrees to perform the work faithfully with diligence and to complete the related course study.

Contractors are our sponsors

Our contractors agree to make every effort to keep apprentices employed and comply with the standards established for the program. This legal contract insures quality training on-the-job, in the classroom, and leads to a certificate of completion and journeyman-level status. These credentials have explicit meaning, recognition and respect in the eyes of Federal & State governments and the outside electrical industry.

Your Employment

Apprentices are full time employees. Wages are paid to participants during the on-the-job phase of training. Wages increase as progress is made in the program, in accordance with the predefined wage progression scale outlines in the indenture agreement.

Power Line Tree Trimmers

Line clearance is maintenance of a power line right of way intended to prevent interruption of service to customers. A line clearance/tree trimmer engages in a variety of tree care operations which include tree pruning, tree removal, and brush clearing. Much of this work is done in the vicinity of energized, high voltage power lines. An individual working in this trade must remain alert, and aware of the extreme hazards associated with such work, at all times.

Trimmers use both powered and hand tools, some insulated to prevent electric shock. The use of bucket trucks and heavy equipment is common. Ropes and rigging are also tools of the trades. They may work for residential or industrial customers, but most often work on utility properties. Line Clearance / Trimmers work almost exclusively outdoors, and very often in inclement weather. Their work includes clean up operations during and after storms and other natural disasters. They must be willing to travel between cities.

The work of a tree trimmer includes climbing and heavy lifting. It is quite strenuous and is usually performed at great heights.

Tree trimmers must display physical agility and coordination. They should be stable, dependable, cooperative, physically active, and have a well controlled temperament. Interests in out door activities and a mechanical aptitude are conducive to this occupation.

The VOLTA Program

The Vocational Outside Line Training Academy has grown from the success of the outside line industry's principal training organization in the Pacific Northwest. The NW Line JATC, was formed in 1957. It provides comprehensive training for experienced line workers who are advancing toward their outside electrical construction industry Journeyman status.

VOLTA's Training Objectives

This entry-level lineworker program prepares workers to enter the Outside Line industry with the basic knowledge of electrical systems, equipment, and safety to satisfy initial employment requirements. Employment skills learned will prepare students for power lineworker, power line clearance, and power ground worker positions.

The VOLTA System

Admission Requirements, Tuition and Expenses

VOLTA is licensed through the State of Oregon's Department of Education as a private, non-profit vocational training school.

VOLTA encourages anyone who is interested in learning a high-paying skilled trade to apply. The program focuses on skills for the new worker and for the experienced worker who is changing occupations.

The Staff & Advisors

The VOLTA program is staffed by instructors who are Journeyman level workers, active in the industry. You learn from those who have first hand experience-people who are "hands-on" with dozens of years in the field.

Interested in starting a career?