A lineman is an electrician specifically trained for inspecting, installing and repairing outdoor electrical lines. Becoming a lineman typically involves completing an apprenticeship program, which may last from one-to-two up to five or more years. These programs focus on performing on-the-job duties under the supervision of a master electrician. If you are interested in becoming a lineman, many places in Indiana offer apprenticeship programs.

REAP

Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP) is a program open to Indiana electric cooperative employees or contractors enrolled with IEC. This four year program requires apprentices to attend 612 of classroom instruction as well as at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Job training skills consist of basic climbing, bucket material/pole loading, skating, and more. IEC has also joined forces with Ivy Tech Community College, where specific courses are required in order to earn Electric Line Technician degree.

Independent Electric Cooperatives - 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240. [email protected]

Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College offers a lineman apprenticeship degree program through a working partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, and individual Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees. The Labor Department and JATCs provide the technical education component. Ivy Tech provides the general education for the academic courses of an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. Apprentices with prior collegiate experience will be granted transfer for successful coursework that matches Ivy Tech degree requirements.

Ivy Tech Community College - Central Indiana Campus 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway North Drive Indianapolis, IN 46208 888-IVY-LINE ivytech.edu

NiSource

NiSource, a utility company that provides gas and electric across the Midwest, provides apprenticeship training if you are seeking to become a lineman. NiSource typically requires that an applicant has an associate's degree in a related field, such as electrical engineering technology, but may occasionally accept outstanding applicants with only a high school diploma or GED. Apprenticeship training lasts for two years and focuses on developing skills through on-the-job practice. You will be employed by NiSource through the apprenticeship process.

NiSource, Inc. 801 E. 86th Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410 800-464-7726 nisource.com