BGE went on a hiring freeze back in the 90's, didn't hire anyone for 10-12 years. then a couple years ago someone realized "oh crap" people eventually retire (or die). so they've been hiring pretty heavy for the past few years. We have something like 350 lineman and 85 underground lines employees. they also hire for gas side, transmission, metering dept, substation, and a few other areas. the only down side is if you are in a union that wont mean much here since we're not, so you'll pretty much start from the bottom. you'll probably move up pretty quick some people have made crewleader in 5 years, but don't expect seniority to be considered here. and ah no chinese.
Southwest fla, funny thing happened the other day, I just got done repairing a primary fault and was switching it back in when I heard a fuse blow but it was'nt my phase. Anyway, FPL troublemen came out and he thought the company quit asking if you have your appr. papers. Guess I will wait and see since they keep your app. for 2 yrs.
Utilities,in my opinion,do as they like,papers or not,Smaller cities can be a pain in the a$$.Washington state has some type of course/class/certificate...that you will need just for rubber gloves training......and you wont get in unless you had that course....they dont care if you have been a lineman for 88 yrs.
I'm a Municipal Power Lineman. Have been for 15 yrs. I'm the crew leader now and do a lot of paper pushing. I still get to go out with the crew and work but I miss just being a lineman. Going to work keeping the power on and no worries. Now I have to keep the power on lookout for the guys . and do all the paper work order's etc . But I think Powerlineman.com is great I thank you guys for the help when I get stumped.... BE SAFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the site brs!
Good day all. I have just started my apprenticeship with IBEW local 97 in Upstate NY. Having been trying to get to this point since 1985 with our local utility and finally after going through the call center and work as a garage mechanic have finally made it. Looking forward to this new career and will start early with the thanks to all of you for what you do as well as the advice that you share here.