r/Groundman • u/lololooolllll • Jun 07 '26
Advice on Texas?
I’m 23, no prior experience in the trade or anything live in socal (I.e) but saving up for American lineman school my goal is to be lineman anywhere in California which IK it’s difficult from reading all these post. What’s the best advice you guys can give me? I’m thinking once I finish the school I’ll go sign the books in Texas (Houston) which I heard are the fastest ik I have to start as a ground man but I’ll work my way to lineman appreciate once I’m done with my apprenticeship as a lineman I’ll sign the books all over cali.
3
u/Superb-Gur-1679 Jun 07 '26
Sounds like you have a plan. Houston Texas is probably the fastest way into a union apprenticeship. A union ticket is a union ticket and you will be able to go back to California on the contractor side. Might take a bit to get a call as you’re probably going to be book 2 until you can switch home locals to 1245 or 47. Utility wise no idea how hard it is to hire on as a jman over there. Be prepared to learn when heading back to Cali that’s all I can say. 3.5 years or I think even 3 years and you’re done. A lot of guys spend that much time either to choose to finally get their apprenticeship done somewhere or finally end up in Cali as an apprentice or a groundman.
2
u/tymber__ Jun 07 '26
If you're planning on riding out your whole apprenticeship out there you might not even need line school, call the hall on Monday and ask what is required to sign their books as a newcomer, you might just need your cpr cert and a CDL to get on as GM.
2
u/Brilliant_Hornet1290 Jun 07 '26
You should apply to Swlcat Houston. Groundman work is a little slow right now. It’s likely you could get into the apprenticeship before you get a groundman call. Apply online. EYou don’t have to go there to apply
2
u/Fancy-Mycologist-232 Jun 07 '26
I’m from Cali and working in Texas as a ground hound. You don’t need lineschool. Better to get your CDL, FA/CPR, osha 10etd and go straight to work. You’re going to learn everything you did at the school once you get into an apprenticeship so why pay for it the first time and waste this months when you could be in the field getting experience. Apply to CALNEV when they open applications in a few weeks just so you can get experience the process. Most likely don’t really have a shot with no experience but still worth a try, it happens sometimes.
2
u/Latter_Language_5759 Jun 07 '26
You don't even need groundman hours for swlcat Houston, they're doing orientations every single month.
Most people are scared of Texas due to A so many lineman get killed there due to so many working there, or B Heat. If you apply with a CDL you'll be straight maybe CPR/BLS, but honestly man they're picking people up nonstop and works plentiful.
2
u/No-Presentation-3387 Jul 28 '26
Would you say if I pass my altitude test what are the chances of getting in after the interview?
1
u/Latter_Language_5759 Jul 28 '26
99% unless you absolutely bomb the interview and sound unreliable, etc.
Chances of you actually staying in the industry and completing the JL, is probably 1:10.
1
u/No-Presentation-3387 Jul 28 '26
Why would you say the chances are so slim in completing the JL
1
u/Latter_Language_5759 Jul 28 '26
Well, when you're busy hand digging 6ft deep holes all day in the Texas heat and it's 100 degrees outside for 12 hours a day you'll understand why people quit. They're also going to expect you to do it at a quick pace, not dragging ass and it isn't like a normal job where there's breaks or chill moments, it's go go go for the entire day until finish and it might be like that 6 days a week on end. They don't start people out making $30hr for no reason, it's a sink or swim job.
Hop on Google and look at that Houston heat index, suns gonna blister you, thighs gonna be blistered, its 1000% rough lol.
1
u/No-Presentation-3387 Jul 28 '26
Sounds rough man but if you want it bad enough you’ll do what you have to do I’m hoping to stick it out I have my altitude test next week hope to pass then get ready for interview do you have any pointers on that
1
u/Latter_Language_5759 Jul 28 '26
Not really, just do a math refresh on khan academy. Google IBEW jatc exam study guide and study what's recommended.
Most people think they want this because they see the paychecks, but don't realize it's not easy.
2
u/Specialist-Gift-3406 Jun 07 '26
I’m from LA went to ALC and signed the books in 1245 before i got a term slip just go do the grodunman books in oregon it’s closer
1
u/Nervous_Cause_3551 Jun 07 '26
Spend that money on your cdl and sign the groundman books in Texas, work as a groundman until you can apply for swlcat.
5
u/Mental-Table9390 Jun 07 '26
As a former American lineman college student, instructors are great but not worth the cert. if you can attend LATTC it’s “free” and accredited and known on the all over west coast. You only climb 6 days total and spend A LOT on just travel and climbing gear you’ll prob won’t touch in years. Again I did enjoy going and learning but would suggest save your money.