Who's a lineman?

[sea2summit]

I'm about 15 months out from changing careers. I need to be outside and work with my hands not looking at a computer screen and money, while needed, isn't a primary concern. I'm gonna be the oldest guy in any apprenticeship program and that doesn't bug me as long as the "kids" teaching are good at what they do. I hate unions and what they've done to this country...but we'll cross that bridge later.

So looking for the good the bad the ugly?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

most lineman that work for a power company are in a union so how will you grapple with that?

 

[RPH]

How old are you? Working at heights? Working underground in tunnels? I had a buddy who trained at Detroit Edison for that. Finished the training, said never again but thanks. Went back into operations at the plants.
Playing catch with a basketball sixty foot up. You miss, you climb down and bring the ball back up.
Any joints repaired in the wiring part of the job has your ID number cast into it. It had like 20 years that repair is to last.
I’ve been down in the old steam tunnels and conduit tunnels. Not the place I want to work.
Good luck with the endeavor.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Historically there were higher cancer rates for linemen but I think that was due to historic exposure to PCBs (transformers) and everything I have read recently says marginal to no higher, but worth a bit of research on your part.

Working in tight spaces, underground and at heights if any of that is a concern. Plus physical abilities as you get older.

I expect most utilities are a union shop for line workers.

Never a lineman but I once worked in Engineering at a electrical utility (we call it hydro here). For amusement, the linemen called us stake pounders as we drove in the stakes to tell them where things went... and some thought that is all we did.

 

[Speleo]

You don't say how old you are, but it might be a tough road.
If you are older than the average Apprentice, you will be scrutinized a little more, probably given more **** jobs to do etc. If you are not fond of unions, that's fine, but certainly not of topic at the lunch table. If you are serious about wanting to succeed in the electrical apprenticeship program, best of luck to you. Learning the trade through a program is the best way to get a well rounded exposure to all aspects.
Unions are another topic all together.
Having strong knees, for endless hours on ladders, climbing and hanging on poles in all weather,is a must. A strong back for carrying your PPE and work material is also helpful.
A willingness to work hard, and train to be the best is what will get you ahead of the game.
Good Luck.

 

[mark flucke]

What is your problem with unions- if you go into something with an attitude you are setting yourself up for failure- unions in the electrical trade have excellent training (apprenticeship programs) -you get paid during training, safety is priority and have health insurance/retirement plans- I am not sure if you would be able to pass a good union program with your apparent "attitude"- being a lineman is a very hard job and you will need to work with others to be successful- if you want to "work with your hands " that's fine but look at the whole job - most lineman around here that I know (central Wisconsin) start right out of high school and are done at 55-

 

[Walkers]

Since its sounds like you have a little time, spend it investigating what you want to do. For starters take the Meyers Briggs test to see what jobs you might be good at, and would be interesting for you, then start pursuing one or two of those. Start listing jobs that sound appealing and do a pro/con list for them. In the end, you should have a job that you enjoy and can make a career out of.

 

[Kpaige]

I went into apprenticeship at 47 roaring 12 hour shifts 1000 plus hours OT operations at a power plant. The young guys respect me just fine.
As far as lineman that’s a tough gig pretty hard on the body but if you’re in good shape you will be fine.
FYI unions did not hurt this country bad unions hurt the country.

 

[u2slow]

I looked into becoming a lineman in my early 30's... even went to the school's weekend event to try pole climbing (very cool - do try it).

However, between the cost of their 12week "boot camp" and then also getting a CDL, it was too much cost up front for me at the time. Looking back, I think the fun-factor would have worn off. Too much outside in poor conditions, and heavier/harder work than I do now.

 

[sea2summit]

most lineman that work for a power company are in a union so how will you grapple with that?

I believe all linemen must be IBEW? Let’s just say it won’t be a topic I’d lead off with in an interview.

 

[sea2summit]

How old are you? Working at heights? Working underground in tunnels?

I’m pretty old.

No issue with heights, spent a lot of time up pretty high. Also spent a lot of time underwater and some in tunnels. Never had issues, preference would be for outside work not subterranean but it’s part of the job.

 

[sea2summit]

Having strong knees, for endless hours on ladders, climbing and hanging on poles in all weather,is a must. A strong back for carrying your PPE and work material is also helpful.
A willingness to work hard, and train to be the best is what will get you ahead of the game.
Good Luck.

I’m good now, that’s one reason why I’m interested. Want something that will keep me outside and in tip top hunting shape

 

[sea2summit]

Since its sounds like you have a little time, spend it investigating what you want to do. For starters take the Meyers Briggs test to see what jobs you might be good at, and would be interesting for you, then start pursuing one or two of those. Start listing jobs that sound appealing and do a pro/con list for them. In the end, you should have a job that you enjoy and can make a career out of.

Kind of ahead of you. Lineman is in the top five so researching now. Would like to decide before Christmas then start applying to stuff.

 

[sea2summit]

I went into apprenticeship at 47 roaring 12 hour shifts 1000 plus hours OT operations at a power plant. The young guys respect me just fine.
As far as lineman that’s a tough gig pretty hard on the body but if you’re in good shape you will be fine.
FYI unions did hurt this country bad unions hurt the country.

Are you done with the apprenticeship or how many hrs?

 

[Racer_X]

FYI unions did hurt this country bad unions hurt the country.

Quoted for the laugh. Funny typo... I think.

 

[bbbarracuda]

I believe all linemen must be IBEW?

Only the good ones.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I believe all linemen must be IBEW? Let’s just say it won’t be a topic I’d lead off with in an interview.

why? is there some government rule about that?

 

[Debcrow]

Hard work. First knee replacement in my late 50s although I had not climbed a pole in 10 years by then and retired at age 55. Both replaced now. And I was not an 'everyday lineman', just as needed.

One of my best friends ended up becoming a power plant operator after his back would no longer let him do much physical labor.

It's a little different now. Most linemen are 'Bucket truck linemen'. I know a lot of older linemen scoff at these as not being 'proper linemen'. I think they are lucky and will not have as many health problems in old age.

Someone mentioned PCBs. Been covered with them, as well as most of the people who worked when they were around. I know of no one that ever had any health effects from them.

 

[eejack]

I'm about 15 months out from changing careers. I need to be outside and work with my hands not looking at a computer screen and money, while needed, isn't a primary concern. I'm gonna be the oldest guy in any apprenticeship program and that doesn't bug me as long as the "kids" teaching are good at what they do. I hate unions and what they've done to this country...but we'll cross that bridge later.

So looking for the good the bad the ugly?

You ought to do something else completely.

First and foremost linemen are union, almost exclusively, and in my experience, they are very union. It comes from years of working together storm chasing. You go across the country and put infrastructure back together after disasters. That sort of experience will imbue a fraternal bond that you will not be able to fake.

Second, all apprentices are kids. You would be a kid. You will spend a few/five years being a kid to younger better linemen. If you come in say from helmets to hardhats, that gravitas will engender a certain amount of respect, however coming in from other trades or white collar...not so much.

Third, the work is hard, the hours are long and the conditions are miserable. You 'need to be outside' but do you really want to be outside at 3am in an ice storm at your age?

Lastly, the ugly. Since you hate unions why don't you go find something to do that doesn't involve unions. No reason to soil yourself with the very people you find abhorrent. Some dpw's hire old folks and many are not affiliated with international unions. Many landscapers are desperate for help, perhaps with your experience you might be able to run a crew pretty quickly. Long haul trucking is a booming field. There are lots of options that don't involve unions ( or hard work and conditions ).

 

[eejack]

why? is there some government rule about that?

No. However, since the IBEW was originally formed as an organization to support linemen, and every power company in the country is a signatory to one IBEW local or another, and the IBEW facilitates the seemless movement of labor from one area/company to another in times of need ( storm chasing ) nearly all linemen are members of the IBEW.

There are small private non union power companies, and some facilities that use non union linemen, but those are rare and generally very specific ( a college campus that maintains its own infrastructure for example ).

 

[alfadan]

Maybe look into if your local utility has a, what ours calls, a Substation Mechanical apprentice position. They work in the subs, are outside and work with their hands. Its much more technically minded work but definitely has some labor to it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hard work. First knee replacement in my late 50s although I had not climbed a pole in 10 years by then and retired at age 55. Both replaced now. And I was not an 'everyday lineman', just as needed.

One of my best friends ended up becoming a power plant operator after his back would no longer let him do much physical labor.

It's a little different now. Most linemen are 'Bucket truck linemen'. I know a lot of older linemen scoff at these as not being 'proper linemen'. I think they are lucky and will not have as many health problems in old age.

Someone mentioned PCBs. Been covered with them, as well as most of the people who worked when they were around. I know of no one that ever had any health effects from them.

youve been covered in PCBs? or oil w/ PCBs? big difference as the PPM would be different

why did you have PCBs on you?

 

[Debcrow]

youve been covered in PCBs? or oil w/ PCBs? big difference as the PPM would be different

why did you have PCBs on you?

Oil filled PCBs. I guess you have never reached into a line transformer and replaced anything. Or been inside a 115kv breaker that was large enough for two of you to be in. Sure, the oil was pumped out of the breaker, but it still is dripping off of everything and onto you.

I have a distaste for the whole PCB thing. They worked well and reduced fire hazard. They passed the law, hazardous and get rid of them so we did. At great cost. The law stated we were responsible for them cradle to grave. We shipped them to a licensed facility that was licensed by the Government. We received the certificates that they were incinerated and disposed of properly. The law was passed with no provision for oversite of the contractors. Years later we receive notice that the contractor had rented a warehouse on a long-term contract. Filled with the PCB containing items and just walked away. The law says, 'cradle to grave', we are still responsible for our PCB containing items and any cleanup. So, we have to pay a very hefty price AGAIN to get rid of them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Perhaps you don’t know how toxic PCBs are. Or perhaps you don’t care. Sounds like the latter based on your transformer comment. You didnt wear gloves?

 

[eejack]

Perhaps you don’t know how toxic PCBs are. Or perhaps you don’t care. Sounds like the latter based on your transformer comment. You didnt wear gloves?

Many of us didn't know. Lots of things are dangerous in hindsight. Look at all the folks who blew asbestos brake dust around their shops...didn't know. Some of the things we are doing now will, in 30 years, seem totally insane.

 

[BrandonV]

Many of us didn't know. Lots of things are dangerous in hindsight. Look at all the folks who blew asbestos brake dust around their shops...didn't know. Some of the things we are doing now will, in 30 years, seem totally insane.

We just stopped using pentachlorophenol on our poles recently. Nasty stuff.

Honestly most people who want to get into the field unless they really want to climb poles, they should look into substation electrician apprenticeships.

IBEW can be good or bad depending on what LU you are in.

 

[eejack]

We just stopped using pentachlorophenol on our poles recently. Nasty stuff.

I used to wash my hands in trichloroethylene when I was splicing. Great degreaser. Really bad for humans. Didn't know.

Now that I am older I treat everything as if it has long term consequences, if not for myself then at least for all of the young folks coming up in the trade so they have an example of how to stay safe. PPE - that's for me.

 

[u2slow]

You ought to do something else completely.
... Many landscapers are desperate for help, perhaps with your experience you might be able to run a crew pretty quickly. Long haul trucking is a booming field. There are lots of options that don't involve unions ( or hard work and conditions ).

I agree with doing something different...
but those 2 fields are of the race-to-the-bottom flavour. I have friends in - or have left - both segments.

 

[mike93lx]

You're barking up the wrong pole if you don't like unions

 

[Debcrow]

Perhaps you don’t know how toxic PCBs are. Or perhaps you don’t care. Sounds like the latter based on your transformer comment. You didnt wear gloves?

I am fully aware of PCB toxicity. And yes we wore cotton or leather gloves.

One of the jobs that was part of my job was taking care of hazardous waste and keeping the books/paperwork on it according to regulations. At the time PCBs were not even a class B2 carcinogen, that was declared later by the Government. It was not until much later (2013) that internationally it was declared a class 1, weight of evidence known carcinogen.

The trouble is most people just hear the word PCB or Asbestos and go into panic fits. They do not have any idea of permissible exposure limits, concentrations PPM, friability, types of exposure or anything else about what is intended by the regulations.

I agree that PCBs belong on the list. I also know we were not aware of the exposure risk at the time because there was no study of it.
I also know that of the many people that 'I" personally knew or worked with that I have kept in touch with, none of them ever had a cancer problem that killed them. Alcohol killed two. A surgery gone wrong killed one. A stroke killed another. And a car accident another. Most of the rest of us that have not yet died of old age are reaching that time in our lives.

According to 'public' hysteria all we are all doomed by 'exposure', which is just not true.



For some of the rest of you, as an example, some of the other items I know of on the class 1 list are things like Ethelyne Oxide, which is not uncommon and is probably the number one cleaner used in hospitals. Vinyl Chloride which is commonly used a lot (like in PVC), Benzene, as what is in gasoline and other such products. Are you all going to have the same reaction to them now when you are around these?

AGAIN, the KEY is "ALLOWABLE EXPOSURE LIMITS". NOT 'just WHAT IT IS." ACTUAL accurate Knowledge is very important.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I used to wash my hands in trichloroethylene when I was splicing. Great degreaser. Really bad for humans. Didn't know.

I did too. It turned my hands turn white.
Once I dipped my head into a vapor degreaser that used trichlor to retrieve a tool I had dropped. It made my head spin for quite a while.
I didn't know either.

 

[Spareparts]

You want to be a Lineman, take one week out of your life, walk around your block for 20 hrs, rest for 4 hrs. start walking for another 20 hrs.
and do that for a full 7 days. That is what it is like doing storm repair. You think I am kidding. I worked for a line building Co. for 15 yrs. I was a field mechanic, the 4 hrs they rested I repaired the equipt. When the Tornado hit Andover Ks. we worked 20+ hrs. a days for the first 2 weeks. We were at that site for another 3 month's. Your family is waiting at your home wherever that might be. Then just as your having your Thanksgiving Dinner you get a phone call, we are having a party at the shop and your presents is mandatory, going to Iowa, Ice storm just took 135 miles of High Line. You really want to be a Lineman. As an apprentice that is the kink of jobs you draw and after 10 to 15 yrs of doing that you might get a job at the local Power Co. Then you get sent to Florida because of a Hurricane, gone again from your Family. That is why I only spent 15 yrs doing that. Yes the money is good, seen many checks over $6,000 a week, but at what cost.

 

[Adaylate]

If you want to work for a power company / PUD, outside and stay in shape get on the brush crew!

 

[Kpaige]

I believe all linemen must be IBEW? Let’s just say it won’t be a topic I’d lead off with in an interview.

Correct

 

[Kpaige]

We just stopped using pentachlorophenol on our poles recently. Nasty stuff.

Honestly most people who want to get into the field unless they really want to climb poles, they should look into substation electrician apprenticeships.

IBEW can be good or bad depending on what LU you are in.

Local is everything

 

[Kpaige]

Are you done with the apprenticeship or how many hrs?

My apprenticeship was 2 yrs and yes been done for a few years. Operators job is also highly physical at these older plants lots of stairs lots of very large manual valves that do not move well you must stay in shape and limber.

 

[Kpaige]

You want to be a Lineman, take one week out of your life, walk around your block for 20 hrs, rest for 4 hrs. start walking for another 20 hrs.
and do that for a full 7 days. That is what it is like doing storm repair. You think I am kidding. I worked for a line building Co. for 15 yrs. I was a field mechanic, the 4 hrs they rested I repaired the equipt. When the Tornado hit Andover Ks. we worked 20+ hrs. a days for the first 2 weeks. We were at that site for another 3 month's. Your family is waiting at your home wherever that might be. Then just as your having your Thanksgiving Dinner you get a phone call, we are having a party at the shop and your presents is mandatory, going to Iowa, Ice storm just took 135 miles of High Line. You really want to be a Lineman. As an apprentice that is the kink of jobs you draw and after 10 to 15 yrs of doing that you might get a job at the local Power Co. Then you get sent to Florida because of a Hurricane, gone again from your Family. That is why I only spent 15 yrs doing that. Yes the money is good, seen many checks over $6,000 a week, but at what cost.

This is true but this had to be along time ago because the storm checks are double that easily these days, but those guys deserve every penny.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'm a retired EE, I don't have personal experience but I've worked in collaboration with those guys and have a lot of respect for them. I like the outdoors too, but they're out there in the worst weather...things don't usually break down when it's 72 degrees and sunny.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Maybe apply as a phone company lineman? I hired on to Pacific Bell in 1982 and was a lineman on a construction crew, did that for six months before transferring to Cable Maintenance as a Splicer (all manholes and bucket trucks). A lot depends on where you hire on; if you're in a rural location you get most of the 'joy' (unstepped poles, working in the elements, lots of overtime) that a POCO lineman gets, without the high voltages (and heights - phone & CATV aerial plant is no higher than 18ft). If you're closer to civilization the poles are mostly all stepped (which means you don't learn how to climb with hooks) and the demands are less rigorous.

I still have my hooks and belt and can still **** an unstepped 18ft pole with no trouble. I'm sure the POCO lineman are cracking up at that but it was a heck of an accomplishment for a (then) 19-year-old to graduate climbing school, especially since half the class didn't make it all the way through. I'll never forget on the last day of class one of my classmates 'cutting out' (falling) from the 18ft level; he was OK but they were picking wood splinters out of his belly and chest for an hour.

The union then was CWA (Communication Workers of America), but after leaving Pac Bell to become a Cable Splicer with CCSF I joined IBEW Local 6 and never looked back.

 

[Spareparts]

Kpaige: that was in the late 80's early 90's. The last storm job I was at was in 93, wife and I anniversary was on Valentine Day
the day before I went to a Florrist Shop in Boone Iowa and ordered flowers and a big box of chocolate because I wasn't going to be home.
About an hour later my boss called and said pack up and come home you are my new Shop Foreman. I made it home before the flowers,
and helped her eat chocolate.