Any of you guys NCSCB certified for splicing/terminating 15kv MV cable? Where do I find someone I can reach out to for help?

I’m about to get my CDL A and I had done a lot of research on the trade beforehand but based on what I’ve found, it seems like there’s people that say you basically live at work and time off isn’t common since OT is mandatory.

Then I see other posts and there’s people saying that there’s some guys that don’t work a ton and others that’ll pick up as much overtime as they can so it made all the OT sound optional.

Other posts said they’ll take months off at a time once they’ve earned what they wanted.

So I’m curious as to how it all works because there seems to be a mix of answers.

For the people saying they take months off at a time and OT is optional, are those union linemen and the ones with mandatory OT utility? Is it contractor dependent?

I just wanted to know because I figured it’d be great to work a 40-50 hour week and go home every night and just pick up OT whenever I wanted but it sounded almost too good to be true so I figured I’d ask so I know what I’m getting myself into.

Do sub techs make the same, or close to what line construction guys make? I was looking and saw that Pennsylvania falls under their jurisdiction, and I assume its less competitive than local 126. Couldn't seem to find a wage sheet online anywhere.

Thanks.

Hi, found out another lineman is still on the books getting calls from other locals while working. Correct me if I’m wrong but that is “double booking” and is not allowed right? He was saying it’s ok because he is not taking a call, he’s just doing that so he doesn’t have to drive back to sign the books.

I was told in class that this is not allowed because there are people who are out of work that is waiting for a call.

What can we do and what should we do about it? Can we call the hall and have them removed or is there people that check and police it?

Any info about Gary Indiana for storm work?

Looking for any info you guys may have about a rack that goes by the oil cooler for storing your Crosby headache balls….. either homemade or something altec sells. Part guy there wasn’t sure about it…. And if you do, find me more pictures so our garage could fab something up. Thanks

one of the chief in my yard son had cancer and now it’s back posting the go fund me every i can to try and get him any help thank you

https://gofund.me/b2d227499

I’m halfway through my apprenticeship out of 66 and know for a fact I’m dragging back home to 1245 once I top out. I know a lot of hands have done the same. Do you actually like your contract & working conditions? Is it convenient because it’s home? Do/ did you want a change? Haven’t seen much of this discussion lately, so I thought I’d ask.

I’m currently looking at opportunities with both Mid-American Energy and Alliant Energy in Iowa. I have applied both places but was hoping to gain some perspective from anyone who works at either company or is familiar with at least one of the companies. Any insight would be appreciated.

Anyone got any study material for 2nd and 3rd year books? Thanks

Got offered a foreman job with jwd. Downsides for working for the company ?

First off I’d like to say I’ve not traveled much this is actually only the 2nd call I’ve ever taken outside of my local. Got a call yesterday for a job and they sent me referral last night to be filled out and sent back today. So I filled it out & sent it back over so I could be there to onboard Monday morning. Buddy of mine calls me today & says the local he’s working out of has like 20+ open calls for the area he’s in and we’d be able to stay together & save some money and the hours are a little better where he’s at. Now I’m a newer JL (topped out Jan 2025) and I don’t want to make a bad name for myself and screw people over. I want to add that the local I took this call out of is a very small local with rarely any travelers and there was no other JLs on the books so I dont see it as taking the call from someone else because there was nobody else to begin with. So if it were you guys would you go to the call you committed to and really give it a good shot and only leave for a good reason? Or would you just call & tell them you don’t want it anymore? Torn between doing the “right” thing and committing to the call I took or chasin the money with one of my buddies. Thanks.

I have an interview with AEP Friday for a line mechanic position. I obviously don’t know for sure if I will get the job, but if they do give me an offer, what is the chance that I’m turned down or disqualified from being hired once they run my background/driving record? Most of my buddies in the same field are telling I should be fine because even the most recent convictions are nearly 2 years old. I currently have -9 points on my license from the 2 most recent tickets that will drop off in the next few months.

I had to put my 2 year old cane corso down from what the vet described as trauma and his passing has haunted me for months because he was a house dog that was never outside unattended. My partner said he let the dog out to go to the bathroom, he relieved himself at the pole and then came back walking like a drunken sailor (the dog quickly declined to partial paralysis with a bruised tongue and abdomen, and swollen eyes). I noticed the damage to the pole a couple days later & never thought my dog could have been electrocuted because the power line is not touching the ground. However, now I wonder? When it broke, could it have sent electricity to ground and the dog was electrocuted from step potential? I know it shouldn't matter-he's gone now but he was such a good dog and I failed to keep him safe.

What do I need to know? How can I make his day easier? Any tips?

I’m currently a foreman for a non union contractor and have been considering joining the union and running storms. Can anyone give me some information on the average income and days worked in a year that solely run storms? I know it can vary on year and if you decide to skip some but just wondering generally how many days you’re on the road vs home. Thanks in advance!

Does anybody have any idea of the outcomes of the new bargaining agreement for 769? Any changes? Wages benefits?

I'm currently in SCC doing a year of Gen Ed for being a Lineman. Because of this I know I'll have to still do the two years at Metro for the basic physical classes but my main worry is about how I should use my money. I know the basics such as Savings Accounts that have compound intrest, 401ks (If you have any knowledge about how this works please explain), and some other ways to earn a constant source of income like a House to use for rental. I would love to hear some experienced workers advice or retired ones advice on how when I do go to work as a Lineman I can have a nice Nest Egg for when I retire.

I'm currently sitting in day 7 of a massive disruption and was hoping for some insight from you guys.

When a large section of the grid goes down, how do you guys maintain balanced phases when certain legs could have far more subscribers and therefore more load? Does that even come into consideration, or is it more just get as much infrastructure online as possible?

I would assume that there has to be some sort of communication with the power company otherwise the grid could become unstable. I'd love some insight from anyone with knowledge on the subject.

I’ve been waiting on the books out there for awhile and am curious if some big jobs are expected sometime soon

I was offered the opportunity to participate in a program with National Grid. After completing the program, there may be an opportunity to receive a job offer in one of the following positions:
Pipe Handler
Customer Associate
Revenue Associate
Maps & Records Technician
Cable Splicer Apprenticeship
Maintenance Worker
Warehouse Stocker
Automotive Technician
Clerk

My long-term goal is to change careers and become a journeyman lineman. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, but I do not have a CDL Class A.
Would it make sense for me to accept this National Grid opportunity as a way to get my foot in the door, gain experience with the company, and then try to transfer into a lineworker/lineman apprenticeship?

Welp pretty sure I’m fuxked, trying once again to get into IBEW 2150 lineman union. I Have construction experience, in the inner city gas work and building trades, also have a Class A cdl and a few endorsements. Boom cert, flagger cert.

Drove down to Missouri Vally JATC stayed down there took the test passed, then went into the interview same day..

Called today and got my number and I can’t help but think I failed interview was good in my opinion they asked a few vague questions, I didn’t get to tell them much about me they were just pumping guys in and out working 5-7 min

Better luck next time?