Power Lineman Who Am I? Can you stay cool under stress? Are you in good shape, good with your hands and good with things mechanical? Then, you could train to be a Power Lineman! What do I do? As a Power Lineman, you work outside constructing, maintaining and repairing overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. When there is a power disturbance or storm damage, Power Linemen locate the source of the problem, and replace or repair defective power lines and accessories. Special equipment and training in safe work practices and procedures reduce the hazards associated with working with energized power lines. How do I advance? Power Linemen work for utility companies and their contractors. Experienced Power Linemen may advance to foreman and line supervisor positions. With additional training, they can also apply their skills to related occupations such as Power System Electrician or other positions in a utility company like Trainer, Health and Safety Officer or Control Room Operator. How much do I make? Apprentice Power Linemen earn a minimum of 50% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in the first year of their apprenticeship, 60% in the second, 67.5% in the third and 75% in the fourth. Journeyman wage rates vary, ranging up to $29 an hour, but average from $18 to $24 an hour (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors). In addition to the basic hourly rate, employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate. Although a 40-hour workweek is normal, in emergencies, Power Linemen may be called in to work at any hour and in any weather conditions. Where do I go from here? As a skilled Power Lineman, youÕll have the opportunity to get well-paying work. You can also upgrade your skills and perhaps move into higher level positions. As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you! How do I learn? You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Electrical Systems CON2070 or Conversion & Distribution ELT1030. See your school counsellor for more information. Power Linemen acquire their skills through apprenticeship training. While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time. To enter the Power Lineman apprenticeship program, applicants must have a passing mark in Math 20 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees. Courses in Math and Physics are particularly important. Some employers require applicants to have Math 30. To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer. The term of apprenticeship is four periods (years) of on-the-job training and classroom training. The first three periods each require 1525 hours of on-the-job training and seven weeks of classroom training. The last period only requires 1800 hours of on-the-job training. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program. Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. TransAlta Utilities Power Linemen are trained at TransAlta Utilities Training and Development Center in Red Deer. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office. Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance. After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate. If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada. New technology is constantly being developed in the field of electricity. Power Linemen must continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge. Check out more info: For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory). Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at 1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283). For more information visit our web site at www.careersconstruction.com