Utilities Linepersons install, inspect, maintain, and repair electric power, telephone, or telegraph lines as well as cable television lines. Line workers can be divided into two groups, Line Erectors and Line Repairers. They may also be known as outside plant technicians or construction line workers.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Line Erectors may:

Attach equipment to poles before erecting them

Assist in erecting poles and adjusting guy wires

Climb poles to install additional equipment

String wire conductors between poles and adjust slack

Splice, solder, and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power lines, transformers, and all electrical accessories

Line Repairers may:

Repair or replace worn cables, wires, or equipment

Test cables and equipment to detect broken circuits or improper connections

Open switches or clamp ground wires to make lines safe to handle

Remove broken or defective wires

Connect wires to crossarm insulators and splice wires to parts of the line to complete the circuit

The tools, equipment, and work aids used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Utilities Linepersons may specialize in a particular kind of line work:

829.361-010 CABLE SPLICERS splice overhead, underground, or underwater cables used in telephone/telegraph communication, cable television lines, and electric power transmission systems.

821.261-026 TROUBLE SHOOTERS locate the source of electric power line disturbances or failures and replace or repair defective equipment and accessories.

821.361-018 LINE ERECTORS erect and maintain wood poles and metal towers, cable, and related equipment used for electrical power.

822.381-014 LINE INSTALLER-REPAIRERS install and repair electrical power lines, telephone and telegraph lines, cable television lines, poles, and related equipment.

821.361-026 LINE REPAIRERS repair and replace power lines between electric generating stations, substations, and consumers.

821.361-038 TOWER ERECTORS erect transmission towers and install electric cables and auxiliary equipment to construct transmission and high-voltage distribution power lines between generating stations and substations.

821.361-010 CABLE INSTALLER-REPAIRERS install and repair underground or submarine conduit and cable systems used to conduct electrical energy.

821.261-014 LINE MAINTAINERS install, maintain and repair telephone, telegraph, and electrical power lines between installations of industrial plants. They direct other workers in setting the poles. Then, they use bucket trucks or climb poles to install hardware, lightning arrestors, wires or cables, and other equipment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, it may also be helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Utilities Linepersons usually work in crews of 2 to 5 people. A supervisor may be in charge of several crews. Line Installers and Repairers work mainly outdoors in all kinds of weather. They perform their work above ground on poles, aerial ladders, platforms, and also underground. Possible hazards include adverse weather, skin irritation from poles, falls from poles or platforms, and shocks from working with or near "live" electrical equipment and conductors. Dangerous gases may be present in underground work. However, observance of strict safety standards developed by the utility companies makes accidents rare.

Most Line Installers and Repairers work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some Line Repairers may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays to provide continuous service. They may have to work long irregular hours during storms, floods, and other emergencies to restore service. When disasters occur in other states, some Linespersons may have to travel to the site to help with the repairs. To help restore damaged facilities or build new ones, they sometimes travel long distances or stay for lengthy periods until the job is completed.

Utilities Linepersons may belong to The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, The Utility Workers Union of America, or The Communications Workers of America. All Linespersons must pay dues to the union but are not required to be union members.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of special equipment or methods

• Activities which bring personal satisfaction from working on things

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions based on measurable information

• Work as part of a team, with or without supervision

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Work under stress and at great heights

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• See detail in objects and drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A small, signal-tuned amplifier has a voltage gain of 100 at the resonant frequency of 1 MHz. If the parallel tuned circuit Q is 10, determine the gain and phase shift at 0.95 MHz and 1.1 MHz?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Capacitive coupling is not very common in RF work for two reasons. For one, transformers are simple to build and the turns-ratio can be changed with relative ease for maximum power transfer. Secondly, solid-state circuits involving oscillators and medium to high power amplifiers have high order distortion products.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

After assessing a transformer malfunction, prepare a written estimate for fixing the transformer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing, maintaining, and installing electric wiring.

Linepersons must pass physical and mechanical aptitude exams for employment. A valid Michigan driver's license and a good driving record are required for workers who operate vans or trucks. Applicants must be unafraid of heights because a great deal of climbing is required. They must also be able to distinguish colors because wires and cables are usually color coded.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

030 ELECTRICAL/POWER TRANSMISSION INSTALLER

Approved vocational education programs in Electrical and Power Transmission Installation prepare students to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical systems for homes, businesses, and factories and the power lines that transmit electricity from its source of generation to its place of consumption.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

060 LINE ERECTOR

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

061 LINE REPAIRER

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS

The military relies on communication equipment to link ground, sea, and air forces. This equipment allows the military to track and direct troop, aircraft, and ship movements. Communications equipment repairers ensure this equipment operates properly.

What They Do

Communications equipment repairers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Maintain, test, and repair communications equipment using frequency meters, circuit analyzers, and other electrical and electronic test equipment

• Install and repair circuits and wiring using soldering iron and hand tools

• Calibrate and align equipment components using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments

• String overhead communications and electric cables between utility poles

Physical Demands

For some specialties, normal color vision is required. Some repairers may work from ladders or on tall utility poles.

Helpful Attributes

• Interest in working with electrical, electronic, and electromechanical equipment

• Interest in solving problems

Special Requirements

Although there are women communications equipment repairers, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian communications equipment repairers often work for firms that design and make communications and electronic equipment. They may also work for the federal government. They perform duties similar to military communications equipment repairers. They may be called radio repairers, radio mechanics, teletype repairers, or station installers and repairers, depending on their specialty.

Work Environment

Communications equipment repairers usually work in repair shops, laboratories, and outdoors, depending on the specialty.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 40 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice with equipment. Course content typically includes:

• Mechanical, electronic, and electrical principles

• Preventive maintenance procedures

• Line installation and wiring techniques

• Communication security policies and procedures

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship training programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Opportunities

The services have about 40,200 communications equipment repairers. On average, the services need about 2,400 new repairers each year. After job training, repairers make simple repairs or installations under close supervision. With experience, they perform more difficult repairs and train other repair personnel. Eventually, they may become supervisors of communications units or maintenance shops.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in electrical and power transmission installation and postsecondary programs in electrical and electronics technology may offer a co-op portion through which experience might be gained. Formal apprenticeship programs and jobs in military service may offer experience in this occupation also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Utilities Lineperson employer

internships

volunteer work with a Utilities Lineperson employer

community service work with an agency

Some Utilities Linepersons enter the field by direct application to employers and receive on-the-job training. Reading newspaper want ads or contacting local unions and Michigan Works! offices may help in locating a job.

In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Utilities Linepersons vary with experience, type of employer, and location.

Nationally, median weekly earnings for Telephone Line Installers and Repairers were $760 or $19.00 per hour in 1998, while the median weekly earnings for electrical power line installers were $789 per week or $19.73 per hour.

Weekly union rates for Telephone Line Installers and Repairers in Michigan were (1999):

In mid 1998-99, the range of basic weekly union wage rates, excluding the cost-of-living allowance, for electric power line workers in the Detroit area was:

Most Linepersons receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; sick pay; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

A line helper might advance to Utilities Lineperson after 4 years of raining, then advance to line supervisor and general supervisor. Telephone Utilities Linepersons who complete additional postsecondary training might have an advantage in being promoted to supervisory positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 308,700 Utilities Linepersons employed in 1996. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Most openings will occur to replace workers who retire, die or transfer to other occupations.

More telephone, electrical power, and cable television lines will be needed to support a growing and increasingly mobile population. However, because modern technology will improve productivity, employment may not grow as fast as the demand for services. Utilities Linespersons employed by utility companies do have good job security and are seldom laid off. The industry distribution for Utilities Linepersons looked like this:

There are about 9,950 Utilities Linepersons employed in Michigan. Most worked for telephone or electric utility companies. These workers were employed primarily in urban areas.

The employment of Utilities Linepersons is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 260 annual openings is expected, with most due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. In late 1998, there were 66 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 12 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

Cutbacks in the construction of power plants in Michigan will reduce the number of jobs for Linepersons in the electric power industry. In addition, technological changes will greatly reduce the need for telephone workers.

Changes include increased use of satellites for long distance communications, permanently installed lines and connectors in commercial and residential buildings, buried cable, quick-connect terminals used locally, and improved mechanical equipment. Self-contained mobile repair units and mechanical plows that dig trenches, lay cable, and cover the cable in a single operation are now in use. However, conversion to communication systems that use optical fibers to transmit signals will create some need for Line Installers. Also, expansion of the cable TV industry will create a need for Linepersons in that industry.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development