Skilled-trade career guide
Lineworker Careers: Training, Skills and Pathways
Apply to a utility or line contractor offering an apprenticeship or structured trainee program.
How to get started — United States
Apply to a utility or line contractor offering an apprenticeship or structured trainee program. Electric power-line work. Telecom cabling follows a separate route.
Starter job titles
Lineworker apprentice • Line crew groundworker
School or technical education
Check the entry requirements. High school completion is typical. A line school can help, but ask employers before paying for one.
Formal apprenticeship
Compare the available routes. Apprenticeships are common; utilities also use employer-sponsored technical and field training.
Certificates and licences
Check the job and location. Check the program’s age, driving, medical and entry-test rules. A CDL may be needed for covered vehicles.
Training at work
Learn before doing the task. Learn electrical hazards, climbing and rescue for your assigned duties. A groundworker title alone does not qualify someone for line work.
1. Compare hiring programs
Ask about wages, travel, entry tests and training costs.
2. Confirm your training record
If registration is needed, ask who files, when it becomes active and how to keep it current. Confirm which hours count and who signs your records.
3. Start with approved ground duties
Learn equipment and crew communication under a trainer.
4. Progress through skill checks
Complete required classroom work and supervised field tasks before higher-risk assignments.
When to take on more
Keep signed training records; the employer must confirm readiness for each duty.
Choices after the basics
Explore distribution work. Develop transmission or utility maintenance skills. These are choices, not required steps.
Before applying
These are typical U.S. starting routes for the roles described. Check the actual job and local rules before applying or paying for training. Do you hire beginners, and what training do you provide? What must I have before my first day, and what can I earn while working? If apprentice registration is needed, who applies, when do my hours start counting, and who signs my records? Which tools and protective equipment do you provide? Who checks that I am ready for each new task?
Business ownership
Starting your own business is a separate choice. Check business permits, insurance and any rules for the services you plan to offer.
For students
Still in school? Explore through classes, career visits and supervised activities. Job ages and allowed tasks have separate rules.
Source review
Reviewed 2026-10-14. National sources describe typical routes; they do not settle every local rule.
Related names and specialties
lineworker, lineman, powerline technician, power line installer, utility line worker, electrical linesperson.