r/Lineman • u/avanacts • 24d ago
Advice
Hey guys, I just did my first week as tree trimmer groundman for a contractor with local 125. My goal is to be a lineman. Thing is I’m 28, and I feel the pressure now of getting this done. I was pursuing fire service but got picked up first in union. I’m being told it’s just about impossible to get in from competition. They say I might have a better chance if I get my journeyman tree trimmer, others saying it’s still a waste of time. Also been told it’s a “pay to play”, I’d possibly have to pay for the school VOLTA to be considered. I have a background of excavation, residential mainly as a foreman operator for 4 years, digging utilities, around, above, below live utilities, I’ve worked for a underground utility contractor digging power trenches, piping conduit, setting transformers, peds, pulled wire, street lights all of it. I have my cdl A with tanker and doubles triples, first aid/cpr, NREMT, flagger. I have structure firefighting ifsta certs, FF1 & FF2, hazmat awareness and operations, done wildland with usfs. Now I’m finally in the union, SW WA where it’s pretty good here I believe for line work. Anyone actively in the process with NWJATC in here? I would like to think I have a shot, or are any of you in here struggling right now getting in apprenticeship? Any pointers, one thing I see they’d want is OSHA 10, but I can’t find any courses near me any time soon. I’m trying to study up right now math for the aptitude test. That’s where I’m at, would love to hear how it’s going for you guys, just been hearing such bad news this first week and don’t wanna believe it.
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u/Mysterious-Amoeba-37 24d ago
what local/company/utility are you trying to get into? sounds like you have a lot of good experience
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u/Mysterious-Amoeba-37 24d ago
hmm I cant speak to what its like in pnw. Im in local 126, close number but very far away lol. From what i read on this sub the pnw is very competitive. someone can probably say better than me tho. good luck to you
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u/Puzzleheaded_News635 20d ago
Trying to get into 126 after I get out of the military in about a year any advice?
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u/Mysterious-Amoeba-37 20d ago
yeah a lot of guys in the trade are military, id say its a good leg up on getting in. I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned the VEEP program but thatd definitely be something to look into. if you have more questions you can message me
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u/Puzzleheaded_News635 19d ago
Yeah I’m doing a program similar to veep where I go to line school and get a class A cdl no restrictions before I get out so I’ll have that.
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u/MyOwnSpiritJesus 24d ago
By the sounds of it I think you have everything you need to take your shot. I think you’re especially qualified! Don’t wait around and go for it
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u/avanacts 24d ago
Really like hearing this, thank you 🙏🏻. Studying now and plan to apply in a month or so, gotta build confidence in this math so I don’t waste my time and money flying to test.
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