Lineworker prepping ropes to climb a telephone pole

Bishop State, Alabama Power, and other various utility partners prepare students to work as lineworkers. This program houses three classrooms and a learning laboratory. There is also an outdoor hands-on training field where future lineworkers can practice their newly learned skills.

Distribution lineworkers provide support in the construction and maintenance of distribution lines, serving the businesses, schools, and hospitals in our communities. In this line of work, the ability to work at heights up to 100 feet and feel comfortable doing so is imperative whether it be in a bucket truck or using spikes and a climbing belt. Distribution lineworkers are typically assigned to a local crew headquarters and only travel during storm restoration.

Transmission lineworkers provide support in the construction and maintenance of transmission lines and substation facilities. The ability to work at heights up to 200 feet is imperative. Transmission lineworkers constantly travel around the state to an assigned construction site until that project is complete. A travel per diem is provided. Transmission lineworkers also provide assistance during storm restoration based on the severity.

Faculty
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Workforce Development Department Workforce Development Department
(251) 405-7082
workforce@bishop.edu
Daphne Stamps, INDUSTRY LIAISON Daphne Stamps
INDUSTRY LIAISON
(251) 665-4130
dstamps@bishop.edu


Bishop State's Lineworker Training Program's next class is scheduled to begin in January 2025. The enrollment period for this class will open May 24, 2024. Please fill out the interest form below to receive updates for the January 2025 class.

Interest form


Lineworker Eligibility Requirements and Essential Job Functions:

  • The Lineworker 11-week program is offered Monday-Friday 7AM–5PM.
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Submit to drug screenings
  • Climbing and working suspended above ground up to 200 feet
  • Students weigh no more than 280 pounds due to OSHA equipment restrictions
  • Fitness is required. If participants are unable to meet the physical requirements of this program, the tuition cost will not be refunded
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds or more
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
  • GED or High School Diploma.
  • An ACT score of at least 18 within the last three years. Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is required if an individual does not meet the ACT requirements. TABE requires a grade equivalent of at least 6 in reading and math
  • Ability to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a physical before a Commercial Driver's Permit will be issued. Possible CDL health dis-qualifiers: epilepsy, kidney disease, narcolepsy or sleep apnea, color blindness, blind in one eye, must be able to hear all sounds 40 decibels or less, heart disease or hypertension, severe respiratory condition, loss of use of an extremity, diabetes currently requiring insulin, congestive cardiac failure, pacemakers, orthopedic or vascular disease, and psychiatric disorder; just to name a few
  • Ability to earn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate
  • Ability to earn OSHA 10 Safety Certificates
  • Ability to travel for storm restoration in the state, southeast & other parts of the country as needed.

Program cost is approximately $4,400 (financial assistance and scholarships may be available)


Class Offerings

Bishop State's Lineworker Training Program's next class is scheduled to begin in January 2026, the enrollment period for this class will open in Summer 2025.




If you have questions, please email dstamps@bishop.edu.

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