I've been building and climbing steel cell phone towers for years...how do I

[BrokeLoser]

get in to the line trade?

I know the conventional way is to apply at the JATC or equivalent and apprentice for 4 years...problem is, unfortunately, at my age I can't afford to give 4 years of my life to the apprenticeship. I really don't have an interest in distribution or working hot. I'd like to just build and climb steel transmission towers if possible. I've researched all over the net and the only thing I have come up with is a union classification called "Transmission Technician". I can't find much info about this though. Apparently this classification would allow me to do what I'd like to do.
Can anyone help me?

Thanks!

[wantafastz28]

Goodluck with that one buddy. I guess there might be a few construction companies that focus on new construction, but I've never heard of one that doesn't work on "hot" lines also... going to be stuck working your way from the bottom on up no matter what though, cell phone tower experience or not.

[HardWorker!]

LMFAOOOOOOOO Are you serious?

[BigClive]

Hi Brokeloser. There's absolutely no harm in asking around utility companies by phone or email to see if they can at least point you in the right direction for companies that specialise in the construction of towers. Much of the new transmission construction is done "dead" because it doesn't even make sense to live-up cables on something that hasn't been built yet.

If you were to move into maintenance later on, then yes, some live work would probably be involved, but not in the same style as wood pole distribution. Transmission voltages are so high that in general when work is done on them from the tower they are isolated on one or both sides and bonded to ground for safety. Most other live work on them is done by specialist helicopter-work companies.

[scratchpad]

Southern California Edison has their Transmission dept. seperate from Distribution. I also believe PG&E does as well. PG&E also has a tower communication position as well. Not sure the exact name but its right up your alley. At your age, what is that? It is not uncommon to have guys start over in their mid to late 30's and even 40's starting an apprenticeship in this trade.