Top 5 Reasons to Become a Lineworker

Do you like adventure? Prefer to work in the outdoors? What if you could be a hero in your community by restoring power when a storm knocks the lights out?

Becoming a lineworker is about a lot more than a hefty paycheck and excellent benefits. It’s about being part of a team that’s more like a family, and going above and beyond to win the respect and appreciation of your community.

There’s never been a better time to work in energy. A growing demand for skilled workers means available jobs and excellent opportunities for advancement.

Ready to climb to new heights? Here are five reasons why you should consider a lineworker career:

1.  Adventure

If you like to get outside, roll up your sleeves and work with tools and equipment, a lineworker job could be a great fit. As a lineworker, your job is to construct and maintain the power delivery system to provide safe and reliable service.

This entails a bit of adventure, as you’ll respond to and correct problems with the power delivery system at all hours and in all weather conditions. While your typical work day generally runs from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., you’ll be on call 24/7, ready to step in and help when your community needs you.

2.  Be a Hero

There’s no greater satisfaction than solving a problem for your community when they need you the most — like in the middle of the night when a winter freeze knocks the power out. Just ask Georgia Power lineman Cody Anderson. “When you restore that power to a family that’s been out of power for two, three days due to a storm, and they come out and thank you and the crew, it makes it all worth it,” he says.

Being a lineworker comes with its challenges, working in extreme weather conditions at all hours, but most lineworkers agree that the rewards are well worth the effort.

3.  Opportunity for Advancement

Once you become a lineworker, you’ll have the opportunity to advance up a well-defined career path, growing your skills and experience every step of the way.

“Working for Georgia Power is good,” says Anderson. “There are always opportunities and room to grow. And they can take you a long way if you let them.”

4.  Excellent Pay and Benefits

As an Apprentice Lineworker, you can expect to earn around $41,880 per year — plus overtime. Once you work your way up to be a Journeyman, your salary will jump to around $78,984, while Crew Leaders take home about $85,092 every year. Beyond your pay, you’ll enjoy benefits that include medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and a retirement program.

Major Ealey III has worked for Georgia Power for 32 years. “A career at Georgia Power is remarkable,” says the meterman. “They train you and they encourage you not just to stay in the job, but to keep on developing yourself. The knowledge that they give you will allow you to better yourself as an individual.”

5.  Join the Georgia Power Family

Georgia Power works hard to promote an inclusive work environment, and lineworkers tend to become close knit with their crew. “The guys you’re with virtually become your family,” says Anderson. “We’re always watching out for each other. It’s be your brother’s keeper at all times. Whether you’re on the ground looking up at the lineman on the pole, or you’re up the pole and you’re looking down at the guys on the ground, you’re always watching one other’s back.”

Job Requirements

To become a lineworker with Georgia Power, you must meet the following requirements:

• Maintain <270 lbs. weight
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License
• High school diploma or GED
• Nicotine, drug and alcohol free
• Pass pre-employment testing

Prepare for Success

There are two tests to pass before you can become a Georgia Power lineworker. The first is the Construction and Skilled Trade Selection System (CAST), which measures math problem-solving, comprehension of mechanical principles and reading comprehension. Test prep and practice tests will help you put your best foot forward.

You’ll also need to go through Physical Abilities Testing (PAT), which measures your ability to perform the physical job requirements through a variety of exercises. Watch a helpful video to see exactly what you can expect on the test.

Ready to Get Started?

In less than 10 weeks, you can earn your ELAC certification at one of these colleges around Georgia:

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College — Lithonia, GA / 678-526-7384
• Coastal Pines Technical College – Waycross, GA / 912-287-6584
• North Georgia Technical College — Clarkesville, GA / 770-754-7700
• South Georgia Technical College — Americus, GA / 229-931-2394

Learn more about becoming a lineworker or create an online career profile to get started.

We look forward to speaking with you more about becoming a lineworker and sincerely hope you’ll consider joining our Georgia Power family.