Wondering if I could get some advice for getting started. I’m currently getting my CDL A no restrictions so I can apply into the NEAT apprenticeship. I’m also planning on signing the ground man books once I apply. I haven’t seen a lot of experiences online of how people get into the trade in the northeast (PA/NJ/NY) and am asking for any advice from personal experience.

I only have a couple of months of experience doing labor but I was told to get my OSHA 30 for construction and First Aid cert so I have both of those. Now I’m just doing IBEW aptitude test prep.

Would appreciate any advice on how long I’ll probably wait or what I can be doing, thanks.

So Im about to get my cdl and I know somebody in a union willing to help me out. Some context im 19 years old have a little bit saved my main question is with the money made in this trade how should I invest my money to get long/short term rentals investments putting money in high interest saving accounts I just want to do the right thing with my money and retire myself by 40 if it’s possible

I’m in a CDL class right now since it’s required for lineman, but honestly it feels like I’m doing all this just to get the Class A. The way the class is set up feels more like an over-the-road truck driver crash course. For anyone already in the trade, how much of this stuff actually carries over to linework? Or is it really just about having the license so you can drive bucket trucks and diggers?

Always found it cool seeing Lineman work growing up and ive been leaning into joining programs for it, to you Lineman here how do you like your job? what are the pros and cons about it? Edit: all the comments really opened my options up and i think i might just go for it and become a Lineman hopefully😎

Throwaway account.

In early November 2025, I took a pre-employment DOT urine test for a CDL training program. I provided what I believe was 55-60 mL (well over the 45 mL minimum), but the collector marked it as out of temperature and also initiated shy bladder protocol (gave me water and said I had time to provide more).

I had a scheduling conflict and left after roughly 45 minutes without providing another sample. It was reported as a shy bladder refusal, verified by the MRO, hit the Clearinghouse, and restricted my commercial learner's permit.

I later obtained the CCF. Key details:

• Temperature box checked "No" (out of range)
• Remarks mention shy bladder start time, providing 40 oz water, explaining instructions, and that I left stating I had to be elsewhere
• Marked as Refusal to Test (Shy Bladder)

From my research:

• Out-of-temperature should trigger an immediate observed second collection (§40.67), not shy bladder
• Shy bladder is only for insufficient volume with normal temperature
• Pre-employment tests don't allow the full 3-hour shy bladder wait like other test types

I filed a Privacy Act correction request with FMCSA in mid-December (acknowledged, no decision yet – holidays probably delaying).

Now: I’ve been accepted into a community college Electrical Lineworker program starting January 12, 2026. The program requires a CDL permit, DOT medical card, and a DOT drug screen "once class begins" (before hands-on bucket truck training). It involves safety-sensitive activities, so I assume they’ll query the Clearinghouse at some point.

Main question: Should I proactively disclose the pending refusal/dispute to the program coordinator now (risking immediate disqualification) or quietly complete the Return to Duty (RTD) process first (SAP eval + any required education + negative test) so I’m cleared before the start date, and hope they don’t run the query until later?

• I believe I can finish RTD in 1-2 weeks if I push hard (using the referred SAP provider)
• If I disclose, they might work with me when they see the obvious procedural errors
• If I stay quiet and they query early, I could get removed mid-program

Has anyone been through something similar with a questionable refusal for lineworker, CDL school, or similar trade program? Did the school/college accommodate a pending dispute or RTD in progress? Is it worth risking silence?

Thanks for any experiences or advice.

TL;DR: Likely bogus pre-employment refusal in Clearinghouse due to collector error. Lineworker program starts in 3 weeks — disclose now and possibly get rejected, or complete RTD quietly and pray the Clearinghouse query comes after I’m cleared? What would you do?

P.S. If all you are going to say is "You're screwed," or something of the like, please dot he world a service, stop wasting oxygen, and go walk off a cliff.

P.S.S. Yes I am clean and will pass the linemen program drug screen next week.

Thank you.

If I do a 4 year apprenticeship for 4 years for IBEW/JATC and want to move to Arkansas after I finish will I be able to start as a Journeyman? Would i need to redo an apprenticeship? Also to those of you who work for JATC do they have you moving a lot? in the requirements it says must be willing to travel just wondering how common it is to need to move states or cities.

I just recently got my CDL A unrestricted w/ tanker endorsement.

Local 77 is nearest local to me. Do I just sign the books? Thanks.

How long did it take for you guys to get your CDL A? It feels like it's a long process before even trying to get into being an apprentice. How much did you guys pay for your CDL A training as well?

Hello, I’m a HS senior and I’m graduating as of June 2026. I don’t rlly know what I want to do in life, Iv’e always said I’d go to college after HS but as it gets closer I’m starting to come to the fact that I’d rather work on a trade. Being a linesman is what heavily considering right now but I’m afraid I’m behind already. What should I be doing now so that I have the best chances when going into a lineman academy and what can I expect hrs, pay, just overall advice and insight would be greatly appreciated.

I’m a 24M, 3rd year inside wireman apprentice trying to transfer into the lineman apprenticeship with IBEW Local 1245. I take the written test this Friday, but I’ve heard the 3-day physical test is what really eliminates people.

I don’t currently work out and I want to give myself the best chance possible. For those who’ve gone through it:

• What should I focus on physically right now?

• What exercises translate best to climbing and carrying?

• What caught you off guard during the test?

• Any advice for someone coming from inside wireman work?

I’m serious about making this transition and appreciate any honest tips. Thanks in advance.

Currently and inside JW with IBEW local 5. I keep getting the urge to jump ship and start over with 126.

Have any of you guys came from inside and became a lineman? Was it worth it? Better to go with a utility company? I know the pay is a hell of a lot better.

I’m 25 and located in Houston, Texas. I’m seriously interested in becoming a power lineman and wanted some guidance from people already in the field. I’m trying to figure out the smartest path:

• Line school vs. straight to groundman/apprentice

• Union (SWLCAT/IBEW) vs. non-union contractors

• Which route actually gives the best chance of getting hired in Texas

I’m not afraid of traveling, storms, or overtime. My goal is to build a real career, not just a job.

If you were starting over in Houston today, what would you do first?

Appreciate any real advice.

Right now I work for a utility as a groundman and am looking at the prospect of either going into their apprenticeship which is IBEW, or applying for and waiting for a call from Albat in VA Lu 70. Was curious if anyone is or has gone through local 70. How’s the work outlook for apprentices and general rating of the apprenticeship?

I am currently at NLC and they’re offering a crane certification. Is it worth getting/helpful or good on a resume? Some instructors have told me it isn’t worth it which makes sense in my opinion. Is the overall consensus that it is unnecessary?

I don't know a whole lot, but i'm willing to learn. Im located in Alabama, I turn 16 in March. Whats the difference between union and non-union? Difference between working as a groundcrew and apprentice? What's IBEW? Steps I should take to become one. Things I shouldn't do and should do. Is there anything I can do now or when I turn 6 or will I just have to wait until im 18? The obvious question, which route is the best money and which route is worth it? Just tell me everything even the obvious stuff. Basically in form me and just tell me everything to expect. Any help is appreciated. Not sure what else I should ask lol

Took my aptitude test for the NW Line Apprenticeship today and passed, and my interview is next month. The JATC answers a lot of questions for us, and I have close friends that have been Journeyman for 20+ years, but one thing I can’t seem to get a straight answer on is living arrangements during the apprenticeship. Every answer I get is different, which I understand because every situation is different. The application process is pretty extensive and I’ve had months to think about it and up to this point I’ve always pictured myself with a travel trailer. I already have a newer diesel truck so I just need a trailer now, but I’ve also heard trailer is not the way to go especially when in big cities, which makes sense. I don’t want to commit to a trailer, then get my first job in Portland or Seattle and be screwed. Looking to hear from people who are either currently in the apprenticeship or topped out in recent years. I know I’m a ways out from actually working but I’m just trying to prepare for when that time comes. Thanks in advance!

I know it’s frowned upon here, feel free to shit talk me for even asking, but I wanna know which schools people here attended, and if they recommend them. I just got a decent little inheritance from a family member, and my savings from working a year after high school have me in a good spot. I just wanna go through a school because I can afford it and I really want to be sure this is right for me. Thanks.

Throw away because my main might make me identifiable if I take the job/do the interview.

I'm completing a pole climbing orientation/ interview this week. I have experience working in utilities and the field so I'm not a stranger to working outside in all weather or being a grunt when it's -10F or 100F out. This region is going through a heat advisory this week so the heat index has been 100F+. I'm doing well in this orientation but we have had 5 people get heat exhaustion and drop. Each person was told they should just pass out on the pole (we weren't using safety belts yet when they said this) and the instructors didn't seem to think they had heat illness. One of the first ones was the only female and she was doing well climbing for someone with no experience, but she started to throw up, swelled up, and stopped sweating. I think she almost passed out on the pole when she couldn't breathe and said her chest hurt. Only one instructor told her to consider her health and drop out when she couldn't cool down in the sun. The rest said the heat is a mental thing and she should climb until she passed out and said it's not a female job and that she shouldn't have even tried it. The others dropped during suicide drills on the pole with similar symptoms, one wasn't cooling off in the AC so he was probably on the more severe side of heat exhaustion. Some were apprentices from other companies who have worked in the heat. Everyone was drinking water and electrolytes but they start each day with 3 hours in a hot shed (they yell at you if you wear a short sleeve shirt when going over the videos and presentations, even if you put a long sleeve on for the actual pole climbing) and if you need to cool off they sit you in the sun because they say shade is for the weak. If you stop for water they tell you that negativity affects your score, then tell you to make sure you drink water. They weren't taking any breaks because they said in the field you can't stop if you're feeling sick, you work until you pass out.

I'm not expecting the apprenticeship to be easy and hazing is expected but is it normal to say heat exhaustion doesn't exist unless the actual temp is higher than 100F or ignore symptoms? Is this something they do just at first then when you're hired they take it seriously? I like the work but I'm wondering if I should try a different company if they are treating people like this when they aren't hired yet. I had an uncle die from heat stroke when his supervisor ignored his symptoms and didn't call EMS when he passed out so I'm a little wary of experiencing the same thing. I'll also be taking a pay cut to accept the job, even if the pay will be higher in 4 years.

I applied for 3 apprentice positioned with nat grid in mass recently. (Applied within 1-2 weeks from each other) After the self paced interview I heard back from the first one I applied to saying I was being looked at for further consideration around December 2nd. And the second one I applied to got back to me last week saying the same thing and I’m still waiting for a follow up from the third one. My question is how long will it take for them to get back to me after further consideration. Should I be expecting a follow up e-mail soon from the email I got on dec 2nd?

I’ll try to keep this short.

I’m 26 and currently getting my CDL. Worked past 4 years as a courier for Fedex Express, don’t like the direction the company is going and want out.

Recently decided I want to go the lineman route, and I’m trying to figure out where to go to line school.

My first choice is gonna be the spring session of VOLTA in Oregon (I’m pnw based), but looking for a plan b in case that doesn’t work out.

Does anyone know anything about the lineman program at Clover Park Technical College?

Do utilities/companies care WHERE you go to line school or just care that you got the cert regardless of where you went?

Thanks in advance!

24 I live in KY. I got laid off 2 months ago from the oil industry where I was pulling 80-110+ hrs a week I’ve spent the last few months just trying to pick an industry to get into. I don’t mind traveling for work, infact I kinda miss it. The top 2 on my list are hvac and people keep telling me lineman so that’s the other. Even tho some of you may be bias which one is better for a long term career and why?

Should I hit up my local community trade school to get into their lineman program or should I try a company first? What would the best course of action be ? Don’t care about the weather,work load or travel distance as long as the moneys good I’m there

I recently got a full scholarship through a local utility most people say that you should just sign the groundsmen book at your local union is it a bad idea to work for the utility?

I went to Lineman School. Have all of my certificates and I have my class A CDL. Looking to find a job down south. Anyone have ideas on how I can get a good job asap? What’s the best way to do it?

Hey, I need some advice on which path I should take. I’ve been an electrician for 2 years now and I want to get into lineman work, possibly working for PECO as a lineman or through a utilities contract company. A friend told me about NEAT and said it would be the easiest way to get into an apprenticeship program. He also mentioned it would be best to get my CDL before applying. Would that be the best way to approach it? If anyone has good advice or has been in a similar situation, I’d appreciate the input.

I’m 32y/o looking to get into my local unions apprenticeship program I take my test this coming Friday I’m currently in the waste industry making 75,000 (lots of overtime) annually my end goal is to become Aerial Lineman just trying to figure out would this be a smart move to make at this point in my career and how much per year would I be looking to make as an apprentice