Wichita lineman (or Ga Power) - my son is interested in this field, how does he get on?

[Cadcom]

My son is interested in becoming a lineman. It looks like the only way to do this is to attend one of the lineman schools for a couple of months for $12,000 - $20,000 in tuition. Anyone know if "lineman school" is a requirement? And if so, is it worth the cost of admission?

 

[keith089]

I know if he want a start, AT&T are screaming for people right now. Great wages and benefits

 

[keith089]

They do all the schooling

 

[DanKATL]

Those guys can make good money. Is he prepared to travel and be gone for long periods of time on very short notice? All of the guys I've talked to went through an employer sponsored school.

 

[Cadcom]

Those guys can make good money. Is he prepared to travel and be gone for long periods of time on very short notice? All of the guys I've talked to went through an employer sponsored school.

Yep. He is 19 without anything to tie him down (not even a car payment) and my refrigerator could use a break while he is away! I spoke with a guy at Ga Power and he "thinks" its all on the individual. Not sure if some of the EMC's may approach that differently.

 

[Cadcom]

I know if he want a start, AT&T are screaming for people right now. Great wages and benefits

Didnt thin about them. Going to add that to his list!

 

[keith089]

Didnt thin about them. Going to add that to his list!

My wife tells me all the time they can’t get enough people.

 

[keith089]

She does not do hiring

 

[Bypass]

I use to work in cable tv close to those strands but not on them and I've seen what happens when someone accidently touches a hot wire. Loss of limb is almost certain. May be safer to join the Army or Marine corps.

Witchita lineman is a good song though.

I get it though. I'm sure it pays well but it is dangerous unforgiving work.

 

[DanKATL]

Yep. He is 19 without anything to tie him down (not even a car payment) and my refrigerator could use a break while he is away! I spoke with a guy at Ga Power and he "thinks" its all on the individual. Not sure if some of the EMC's may approach that differently.

If he's ready for that, he should also look at the regional sub-contractors that all of the power companies use. Not sure the names, but they're the ones you see staging before a big storm.