Become an Apprentice Lineman
Step 1: Get Hired
The Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) is a training program for apprentices who have already been hired by one of our participating utilities. If you want to become a lineman in Michigan, the first step is to become an Apprentice Lineman at a local utility. There are over 30 utilities throughout Michigan that participate in our program. Check out their job listings and look for ones titled “Apprentice Lineman” if becoming a lineman is your career goal.
A great place to start your search is at the NRECA Cooperative Career Center. Search for “Apprentice Lineworker” or “Apprentice Lineman” to find openings!
Step 2: Complete Apprenticeship Training
Once you’ve obtained a position at a utility, they’ll send you to apprenticeship training. Completing training takes most apprentices 3.5 – 4 years. JMAP is a time-based apprenticeship program, and requires 320 hours of classroom instruction, and 7,000 on the job learning (OJL) hours.
Step 3: Receive your DOL Certificate
When both the classroom learning and the OJL hours have been completed, you’ll be eligible for your Department of Labor certification for the occupation of “Utility Lineworker”.