Lineworker (Electrical)
BSC's Lineworker program educates students to become skilled apprentice lineworkers. Instruction time is divided between classroom study and indoor and outdoor laboratory work. Classes are held and skills practiced at the Lineworker program campus north of Mandan.
Overview
type:
Format:
On-campus
Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS, Program Certificate Limited Enrollment: Yes Program Begins: Summer Delivery Method: On Campus Phone: 701-224-5651 • 800-852-5685 Email: bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS, Program Certificate
Limited Enrollment: Yes
Program Begins: Summer
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-5651 • 800-852-5685
Email: bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
Take your career to new heights
BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence is a world leader in energy education and training for the energy industry. The Lineworker program, the only one of its kind in North Dakota, is designed to train skilled apprentice lineworkers at a specialized facility northwest of Mandan.
Students receive intense instruction in all facets of power line construction and equipment operation and maintenance. Study includes classroom, indoor and outdoor lab work, and courses to prepare for the state commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam.
Play an important role in our energy infrastructure
Lineworkers install and repair cables, wires, and other critical transmission and distribution equipment that power homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and more. Line work is extremely challenging as the type of projects, conditions, and work locations change frequently.
Be in demand
A career as an electrical lineworker offers the prospect of good wages, dependable and strong job demand, and an opportunity to work in any of nearly 3,100 public utilities across the United States.
Average wages for line installers in North Dakota are $79,5901.
Recent BSC LNWK graduates report 90% placement rates, with earnings up to $40/hour2.
Some of the responsibilities of lineworkers include:
- Operate a digger derrick truck
- Set and climb poles
- Install anchors
- String conductors
Graduates can earn a program certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. Students can also earn climbing certifications and become skid-steer and pole-top rescue certified. Students may also complete an OSHA 10 General Industry Training card and receive CPR and First Aid training.
Prospective students should be prepared for the physical demands of entry-level technician positions, which can include lifting 50+ pounds and working in confined spaces or at heights.
Students accepted into the program will attend three-weeks of introductory coursework in June, prior to the fall semester.
Enrollment
A class of 60 students is enrolled once each year in June. Refer to the New Students page for information on how to apply for admission, placement requirements and instructions on how to complete your admission file.
Classes are held, and skills are practiced at the electrical lineworker program's facilities northwest of Mandan. This includes twenty acres of land for outside training and inside laboratories and classrooms. Students also have access to all student facilities at the BSC Campus.
A doctor's examination, drug screen, and eye examination for CDL permit is required after acceptance into this program. Students who have a diabetic condition must complete the NDDOT Medical Examination Report. The NDDOT will then determine if a student is eligible to earn a CDL. This documentation must be submitted to BSC before enrolling.
**Students who are enrolled to begin in the Summer term, will receive an introduction packet in April with class registration information**
Get directions to Lineworker campus
Additional Information
Credits from this program may be applied to BSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) in Energy Management, offered entirely online. The BAS is designed for individuals interested in supervisory and management positions in the energy industry. The BAS builds on the foundation laid in an AAS degree and includes general education classes, core management courses, and energy specific management courses.
BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence was designated as the National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center by U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman in 2007. This official designation recognizes BSC as the premier national center of education and training for operators and technicians in the energy industry.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Lineworker students will be able to:
- Describe the technical and safety aspects of lineworkers.
- Explain lineworkers’ techniques, responsibilities, and tools used for the repair and maintenance of power lines.
- Demonstrate through practice and testing, standard industry climbing techniques.
- Inspect and analyze a wide variety of electrical distribution equipment in order to assist in installation, repair and preventive maintenance.
- Demonstrate through simulation and road practice testing safe tractor trailer driving techniques.