Lineworker Pre-Apprentice
Lineworkers are essential professionals in the energy sector, responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power systems. They work with high-voltage electricity, often at great heights, to ensure the reliable delivery of power to homes and businesses. This field requires strong technical skills, physical fitness, and a commitment to safety.
Students must complete a Jackson College application for admission, complete the required online admissions orientation, and attend their advising appointment to join the lineworker waitlist and receive additional information about the program.
Program Options
At Jackson College, we offer a wide range of degrees and certificates designed to help you achieve your educational and career goals. The following options are available within this program.
EMPOWER Lineworker
Pre-Apprentice
Prepares students for electric lineworker apprenticeships through hands-on training and utility industry partnerships.
About the Program
Join the EMPOWER Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship Program and take the first step toward an exciting career in the energy industry. Gain the skills needed to become an apprentice lineworker, the utility professionals who install, maintain, and repair the power lines that keep our communities running. Through hands-on training in safety, fitness, basic electricity, and energy fundamentals, along with climbing courses provided by Consumers Energy, you’ll be prepared to pursue opportunities in this high-demand field. *Note: Program completion does not guarantee employment with Consumers Energy.
The program includes courses in industrial safety, basic electricity, energy industry fundamentals, and lineworker fitness. Students will also receive specialized training in climbing, communication, and safety through hands-on clinics and schools. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the energy industry.
Students will learn to:
Apply industrial safety practices to ensure a safe working environment.
Understand and work with basic electricity and fluid systems.
Perform climbing, communication, and safety tasks essential for lineworker roles.
Sample Classes
Industrial Safety
An introduction to occupational safety and health, including accident prevention, hazard recognition, and OSHA regulations in industrial settings.
Climbing School
Provides intensive training in utility pole climbing and safe work practices, preparing students for field expectations in the utility industry.
Foundation Utilities Work: Climbing, Communication, and Safety
Covers fundamental utility skills, including pole climbing, basic communication systems, safety protocols, and tool usage essential for linework.
Basic Electricity and Fluid Systems
Introduces basic principles of electricity and fluid systems with applications in industrial and utility environments.
Career Outlook
Students who earn the EMPOWER Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Certificate can pursue careers as electrical power-line installers and repairers. These professionals install and repair cables and wires used in electrical power systems, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity. The program provides a strong foundation for entering the lineworker profession, with opportunities for further training and advancement.
Lineworker Apprentice
Assists experienced lineworkers with installing and repairing electrical power systems and utility poles while learning on the job.
Utility Pole Climber
Performs climbing and maintenance tasks on power poles to support electrical infrastructure and service reliability.
Electrical Grounds Technician
Supports line crews by preparing job sites, maintaining safety zones, and handling tools and equipment for high-voltage work.
Utility Service Technician
Helps inspect, test, and maintain electrical distribution systems, ensuring equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
Pay
Understanding potential earnings is an important part of exploring career options.
Salary estimates are based on data from America’s Career InfoNet and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Actual earnings vary by location, industry demand, business size, education, and experience. Check local job listings for the most accurate salary information.
Program Resources
Access helpful resources to guide you through your program.
Next Steps
Students must complete a Jackson College application for admission, complete the required online admissions orientation, and attend their advising appointment to join the lineworker waitlist and receive additional information about the program.
Have Questions?
Are you interested or have questions about this program? Fill out our form to get answers and learn how Jackson College can support your goals.
Contact Admissions
Want to learn more about Jackson College? Contact Admissions or schedule a virtual or in-person meeting to get personalized guidance, take a campus tour, and explore your next steps.
Apply to Jackson College
Ready to take the next step? Follow our step-by-step application process to start your journey at Jackson College and turn your goals into reality.
After you have applied to Jackson College, you will receive an acceptance e-mail that will include online orientation steps. After completing online orientation, you will be directed to schedule a meeting with a student success navigator to get on the waitlist.
Check your e-mail regularly. Once your cohort is ready to begin, your student success navigator will contact you by e-mail to schedule your advising appointment for class registration.
