What Does a Power Lineworker Do?

Power Lineworkers build and repair overhead and underground power lines used to conduct electricity from generating plants to the customer. They erect and maintain poles and towers as well as installing and maintaining street lighting systems.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Splicing, soldering and insulating conductors and wiring
  • Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical distribution and transmission systems
  • Inspecting and testing overhead and underground power lines and cables using electrical test equipment
  • Climbing ladders or operating hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers
  • Working in confined spaces such as trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables
  • Learning and applying safety practices and procedures
  • Communicating effectively with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

You must complete your secondary school education with credits in math and physics before entering an apprenticeship of @ 8,000 hours. A certificate of qualification can be awarded on successful completion of your examination.

What’s Your Future as a Power Lineworker?

Lineworkers often work in a variety of sites such as high-voltage transmission lines, support towers, etc. Repair and Service linemen are on call most of the time and may work for long periods during emergencies. Work may be done from helicopters, or in underground tunnels, or in bush camps for weeks while new lines are installed. Most workers in this occupation work full-time for:

  • Electric Power companies
  • Highway and Heavy Construction firms
  • Electrical Construction firms

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices earn less than fully qualified Journey people
  • Wage rates generally increase as you acquire skills and expertise
  • Fully qualified Power Lineworkers earn $50,000+ per year sometimes with full benefits

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Power Lineworker For You?

Do you enjoy working outdoors in all kinds of weather?

Yes      No

Can you stand for long periods of time, climb, bend, crawl, reach or work in confined spaces?

Yes      No

Do you mind performing work that is potentially dangerous?

Yes      No

Can you remain calm in dangerous or life-threatening situations?

Yes      No

Can you communicate well with supervisors and co-workers?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with a variety of hand tools and operating power equipment?

Yes      No

Are you willing to work on-call or for as long as it takes to get the job done?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Power Lineworker may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Construction Electrician
  • Electrician
  • Hoisting Engineer