If you want to begin training as an electrical lineman, first, be ready to present your high school diploma at the very least. After finishing high school, you need to get ready for the apprenticeship program which allows you to work side-by-side with an experienced lineman.

An experienced lineman will be able to provide valuable knowledge and hands-on training with regard to the technicalities of the job. He will also teach the apprentice about safety practices and why it is always important to stay on the safe side of things.

The initial training comprises of a coursework that was designed to inculcate the most important skills and knowledge in handling electricity. The process continues for about 3-5 years after which an apprentice will become a journeyman electrician. It is during this point that the electrician is no longer called an apprentice.

Get Certified

The work of an electrical lineman may not require certification but choosing to tread the extra mile just might help the apprentice to achieve higher heights in the long run. If you are serious about getting certified, as organizations like the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee on how you can proceed with your plans. This is a leading organization that offers continuing education to candidates to keep them up to date on the rules and practices in the industry.

The Lineman's Job

As a journeyman lineman, you are in charge of installing, repairing and maintaining underground or overhead power lines. This level is considered as the highest position in a multi-level progression from being an apprentice to becoming a journeyman lineman.

Here are the basic responsibilities of the electrical lineman -

• He splices, strings, sags and transfers wires in an energized (or de-energized) circuit. He also connects wires as well as transformers according to the instructions that were provided to him.
• He shortens or lengthens the lines by putting in or removing a wire. He uses different splices, sleeves, connectors and clamps.
• He is often seen working above ground on steel towers or more commonly on poles using climbers or a man lift equipment and a safety belt. He makes use of various equipment for underground locators and fault finders. 
• He is tasked to route or re-route the electrical power lines around, under or over existing structures or lines; thus, he is regularly seen working within the proximity of highly energized lines.
• He uses different tools like line hoses, rubber gloves, mechanical jumpers, blankets, fiber guards, and many other protective devices.
• He can work on varying voltages as is required by the electrical system.
• A lineman also installs, removes, maintains, transfers or repairs pins, cross arms, guys, insulators, switch racks and transformers.
• Installs, repairs or removes transformers such as a primary and secondary transformer.
• He can do line sectionalizing or switching as is directed to him.
• He can perform emergency repairs, connects circuits, balance feeders or performs load checks according to requirements.
• He can also inspect poles, lines and equipment for damage or any wear and tear. 
• The lineman can also carry poles, dig holes, pike and guy poles and other similar operations.
• He may also be asked to assist in the erection of steel towers.
• He can give assistance in providing hands-on training to crew members and apprentices.
• Can troubleshoot company and individual electrical problems.

Lineman's Crucial Tools

In order to increase safety, a lineman must begin his work by wearing protective gears and using the right set of equipment. These include goggles to protect the face and eyes from sparks; matting, long-sleeved outfit, insulated gloves, and the tool belt.

Protective equipment is necessary to increase the safety in an electrical lineman's workplace. This is especially true when he has to climb poles or go to hard-to-reach areas. In addition, he also needs to have wire cutters, tapes, pliers, wrench, and other standard electrician tools.