Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your utility’s interest in participating in the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program!

JMAP apprentices meet for on-site instruction twice a year with field training and evaluation throughout the year.

If you’d like to partner with JMAP for your apprentice training, contact jmap@wpsci.com.

Do you love being outdoors and working with your hands? Are committed to learning a trade on-the-job? Being a lineman might be the career for you!

Linemen are responsible for the maintenance of electrical distribution and transmission systems. They work from elevated positions, work with high levels of electricity and operate large equipment like bucket trucks and digger derricks on a daily basis. Linemen are the first responders of our industry, and they play a vital role keeping the lights on for us all.

While JMAP is proud to train the utility line workers of the future, the first step to becoming a lineman—and entering the JMAP program—is to be hired as an entry level apprentice at a utility. Once hired, your utility will provide training in the field from senior lineman and through an apprentice program like JMAP.

To help make yourself the best candidate in your search for employment, you can enroll in a pre-apprentice program like the one offered by our partner Northwest Lineman College. Pre-apprenticeship programs typically take 15 weeks and provide new linemen with valuable skills and experience making sought after hires for utilities seeking apprentice linemen.

To learn more about available job postings or pre-apprenticeship programs, please visit:

Yes, the JMAP continues to conduct essential in-person training.

The JMAP follows CDC guidance and Michigan law and developed a “Playbook” for all in-person instruction, including:

  1. On-site attendance limitations.
  2. Masking requirements.
  3. Social distancing mandates.

Instruction is scheduled to begin May 3, 2021.

The JMAP will continue to follow its “Playbook” in accordance with CDC guidance and Michigan law.

Not at this time. The JMAP continues to closely follow developments related to COVID-19, including: public health guidance, Michigan law, and availability of vaccines and will update participants as necessary.

The JMAP has no plans at this time to require the COVID-19 vaccine.