Electrical Lineworkers Wanted
IBEW
According to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the imminent retirement
of the baby boom generation and the decreased focus on training for electrical workers due to
deregulation of utility companies is increasing the need for new electrical workers, especially for
electrical lineworkers. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2016, the industry will need
on the order of 877,000 electrical and power line workers, an increase of 66,000 jobs beyond the
2006 level of demand. While this fact is a daunting challenge for the electrical industry today,
this is great news for those preparing to enter the trade in that skilled workers are badly needed.
Ed Hill, president of the IBEW said, "It's imperative that we recruit and train the next
generation of electrical workers today because many electrical jobs require years of classroom and
hands-on training before the necessary levels of worker quality and safety can be achieved. And
being taught by experienced craftsmen is by far the best way to convey those skills."
As part of this effort, IBEW’s utility branch is planning new regional training centers,
operated by the union, that will prepare industry new hires for good-paying, secure careers and
offer core training to incumbents who require annual recertification or have been promoted to new
positions.
The centers will be valuable in providing educational courses for the new workforce, and for
educational training and recertification for existing workers. According to the IBEW's 2008 Winter
Journal, the regional training center concept overcomes the limitations of community college
instruction, which is where many workers currently learn electrical theory. As one Journal article
states: "It’s one thing for a prospective lineman, for example, to sit in a class and study
electrical theory. But how much more effective will it be to combine the theory with an early taste
of climbing poles under the direction of an experienced journeyman?"
Electrical lineworkers construct and maintain electric transmission and distribution
facilities that deliver electricity to our homes, factories and commercial and retail businesses.
Apprentices work for various contractors on all types of power line construction, both underground
and overhead.
If you are interested in one of these electrician skilled trades, check out the National
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC). NJATC is an established joint apprenticeship
program of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical
Contractors Association (NECA) that provides hands on training for construction electricians, high
voltage outside lineman and voice-data-video installation technicians. This is one of the programs
you can become connected with through the Helmets to Hardhats program. Apprentices involved in the
program learn to employ safe work practices while working under the supervision of a journeyman
lineman. To be accepted applicants must be at least 18, a high school graduate, one year of high
school algebra, get a qualifying score on an aptitude test, and be drug free.
For more information on the IBEW, NECA, and the careers they offer visit
www.helmetstohardhats.org.
