Lineworker (Electrical)
BSC's Lineworker program educates students to become skilled apprentice lineworkers. Instruction time is divided between classroom study and indoor and outdoor laboratory work. Classes are held and skills practiced at the Lineworker program campus north of Mandan.
Overview
type:
Format:
On-campus
Take your career to new heights
BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence is a world leader in energy education and training for the energy industry. The Lineworker program, the only one of its kind in North Dakota, is designed to train skilled apprentice lineworkers at a specialized facility northwest of Mandan.
Students receive intense instruction in all facets of power line construction and equipment operation and maintenance. Study includes classroom, indoor and outdoor lab work, and courses to prepare for the state commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam.
Play an important role in our energy infrastructure
Lineworkers install and repair cables, wires, and other critical transmission and distribution equipment that power homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and more. Line work is extremely challenging as the type of projects, conditions, and work locations change frequently.
Be in demand
A career as an electrical lineworker offers the prospect of good wages, dependable and strong job demand, and an opportunity to work in any of nearly 3,100 public utilities across the United States.
Average wages for line installers in North Dakota are $79,5901.
Recent BSC LNWK graduates report 90% placement rates, with earnings up to $40/hour2.
Some of the responsibilities of lineworkers include:
- Operate a digger derrick truck
- Set and climb poles
- Install anchors
- String conductors
Graduates can earn a program certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. Students can also earn climbing certifications and become skid-steer and pole-top rescue certified. Students may also complete an OSHA 10 General Industry Training card and receive CPR and First Aid training.
Prospective students should be prepared for the physical demands of entry-level technician positions, which can include lifting 50+ pounds and working in confined spaces or at heights.
Students accepted into the program will attend three-weeks of introductory coursework in June, prior to the fall semester.
The AAS can be completed in four semesters and consists of 44 credit hours of specialized courses and 16 credit hours of general education courses.
Students seeking the certificate complete the specialized skills courses in just two semesters, including four credit hours of general education. A complete list of required tools is available
here.
Enrollment
A class of 60 students is enrolled once each year in June. Refer to the New Students page for information on how to apply for admission, placement requirements and instructions on how to complete your admission file.
Classes are held and skills practiced at the electrical lineworker program's facilities northwest of Mandan. This includes twenty acres of land for outside training, and inside laboratories and classrooms. Students also have access to all student facilities at the BSC Campus.
A doctor's examination, drug screen, and eye examination for CDL permit is required after acceptance into this program. Students who have a diabetic condition must complete the NDDOT Medical Examination Report. The NDDOT will then determine if a student is eligible to earn a CDL. This documentation must be submitted to BSC before enrolling.
This program has minimum entrance requirements. Details can be found here.
**Students who are enrolled to begin in the Summer term, will receive an introduction packet in April with class registration information**
LNWK Program Flyer
Get directions to Lineworker campus
Additional Program Costs
Please see the Tuition & Fees page for information on credit hour tuition and mandatory fees.
LNWK textbook costs for the program are $450 (purchased fall semester)
Tools and Supplies are estimated at $2,000 (purchased fall semester, refer to program page for list of required tools)
CDL Fee - $3,800. This fee may be waived for students who already possess a valid CDL.
For more information contact:
bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
701-224-5651 • 800-852-5685
1Job Service North Dakota Labor Market Information Center
2Bismarck State College First Destination Reports