Any tricks to know when trying to get into linework?

[j1993b]

Hello,
I am a senior in high school, graduating in June. I have good grades(not sure if that means anything to a employer?) I have wanted to be a lineman ever since a family friend took me to work with him a few years back, but I am nervous about being able to get in. I joined the Army Reserves so the soonest I will be able to look for employment will be late 2012/early 2013. I have a few questions though.

1. Since I will have some military requirements, will this scare away or attract employers?
2. Should I look into line schools? or try to get into a union directly?
3. I know a few people in linework, will knowing them be able to give me any pull in trying to get a job?
4. I have a lot of time, it will be difficult for me to switch units in the Army so I really need to look to get a job in Michigan, but I already have a place to work until I'm hired or leave for lineman school, and will be getting some money from the army to pay the bills, so I can wait if needed.

I really appreciate the help.

[bren guzzi]

Hello,
I am a senior in high school, graduating in June. I have good grades(not sure if that means anything to a employer?) I have wanted to be a lineman ever since a family friend took me to work with him a few years back, but I am nervous about being able to get in. I joined the Army Reserves so the soonest I will be able to look for employment will be late 2012/early 2013. I have a few questions though.

1. Since I will have some military requirements, will this scare away or attract employers?
2. Should I look into line schools? or try to get into a union directly?
3. I know a few people in linework, will knowing them be able to give me any pull in trying to get a job?
4. I have a lot of time, it will be difficult for me to switch units in the Army so I really need to look to get a job in Michigan, but I already have a place to work until I'm hired or leave for lineman school, and will be getting some money from the army to pay the bills, so I can wait if needed.

I really appreciate the help.

I don't know the american situation. BUT it sounds like you've every chance. A lot of linemen I've known and work with now are ex millitary " I'd see that as a definite PLUS ! And I got into line work ( many years ago) through knowing someone in the job. "My uncle". He got me the inital interview and put a good word in for me. As regards schools , union etc the guys on here will put ya straight. GOOD luck with it mate. An let us know how ya get on.

BE LUCKY.

[hotwiretamer]

Hello,
I am a senior in high school, graduating in June. I have good grades(not sure if that means anything to a employer?) I have wanted to be a lineman ever since a family friend took me to work with him a few years back, but I am nervous about being able to get in. I joined the Army Reserves so the soonest I will be able to look for employment will be late 2012/early 2013. I have a few questions though.

1. Since I will have some military requirements, will this scare away or attract employers?
2. Should I look into line schools? or try to get into a union directly?
3. I know a few people in linework, will knowing them be able to give me any pull in trying to get a job?
4. I have a lot of time, it will be difficult for me to switch units in the Army so I really need to look to get a job in Michigan, but I already have a place to work until I'm hired or leave for lineman school, and will be getting some money from the army to pay the bills, so I can wait if needed.



I really appreciate the help.

Military background will definitly help. Is it possible to get into the electrical/communications jobs while you are in the military?? A climbing cert. and some basic experience in this field is also a plus.

[j1993b]

Since I joined the reserves, and with how many people are joining the military right now, its kind of a "take it or leave it" situation......so I took a job as a motor transport operator. I wont be able to get my CDL through this, but Im sure tons of experience driving the big rigs! I am trying to see if any community colleges around here have climbing/bucket truck certs. as well as CDL classes I could take this spring before the end of school, just to try and be as far ahead of the game as possible! Thanks for the quick responses also!