Electrician in a bucket lift repairing power lines from a utility pole in a suburban neighborhood.

Utilities & Infastructure

 

Lineworkers build and maintain the high-voltage power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. This is a critical and highly skilled trade.

Key Duties:
  1. Climb utility poles or use bucket trucks to install, repair, or replace electrical power lines and equipment (transformers, cross-arms).
  2. Restore power after storms by reconnecting lines and fixing downed cables.
  3. Test circuits and use safety gear (insulated tools, rubber gloves) to work live when necessary.
Training & Certification:
  • Complete a lineman apprenticeship (typically 3–4 years) through a utility company or union.
  • Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job work with classroom instruction in electrical theory and safety.
  • Many earn journeyman status before advancing. 
Apprenticeship:
  • Common through utility companies, IBEW (power lineman locals), and associations like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Apprentices earn increasing wages each year and graduate with a lineman certification.
Salary Range:
    • ~$70k–$120k per year (median ~$92,560). Top linemen in high-cost areas or those who become contractors can earn well above this.
Job Outlook:
  • +8% growth (2023–33) , faster than average. Demand stems from replacing aging grid infrastructure and adding new renewable energyconnections.
Work Environment:
  • Outdoors, often at heights (up to 100+ feet). Work is physically demanding (climbing poles, heavy equipment)and can be done in extreme weather.  Safety hazards include high- voltage shocks and falls, so strict safety protocols (hoods, insulatedgear) are used. Linemen often work long shifts during storm restorations and may be on call.
Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Excellent pay and benefits; strong union support; essential infrastructure work (job security); variety (new construction vs. emergency repairs); sense of accomplishment restoring power.
  • Cons: Dangerous job (high voltage, heights); strenuous (climbing, heavy tools); irregular hours (storm response, outages); must maintain peak fitness and focus on safety.
Path to Entry:
  • Finish high school (focus on math, physics, mechanical drawing).
  • Enroll in a lineworker training program or pre-apprenticeship (some community colleges offer line tech courses).
  • Apply for a lineman apprenticeship (many utilities hire through these programs).
  • Complete a 3–4 year apprenticeship (paid training and classes on electronics and pole-climbing).
  • Earn certification or state journeyman lineman license (if required).
  •  
Career Advancement:
  • Crew leader or supervisor; substation electrician; electrical foreman; safety trainer; purchase power lineman contractor. Further training can lead to power grid control or engineering
Recommended Resources:
  • IBEW/NECA Lineworker Programs: Joint training centers for
  • Utility Companies: Many have “lineman training schools” (e.g., Colorado’s Platte River, Florida’s TECO).
  • Association of Lineman & Telephone Workers (NRECA): Resources on career and

Video Resource: “Life as a Power Lineman” (documentary clips on trade training).

 

Solar PV installers put up and maintain solar panel systems on roofs or ground-mounted arrays. This trade is growing rapidly with the renewable energy boom.

Key Duties:
  1. Assess installation site (shading, structure); mount solar panels on roofs or racks
  2. Wire panels together and connect them to inverters and electrical service panels
  3. Troubleshoot system performance and issues
Training & Certification:
  • Training program or certificate in solar installation (many community colleges offer this).
  • Knowledge of electrical systems is required (similar to electrician skills).
  • NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification is highly recommended and often required by employers.
Salary Range:
  • ~$35k–$65k per year (median ~$51,860). Experienced installers and team leads earn at the high end.
Job Outlook:
  • +48% growth (2022–32), reflecting strong demand as solar becomes more common.
Work Environment:
  • Outdoors, on rooftops or open fields. Work involves heights (roof work) and requires safety harnesses. Installers may deal with hot, sunny conditions. Typical schedule is full- time, but may have seasonal fluctuation (more work in sunnier months).
Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Fast-growing field; work on green energy; mostly entry-level friendly (short training needed); can be physically active/outdoors.
  • Cons: Roofing is strenuous and risky (slips, falls); subject to weather conditions; physical labor (heavy panels); must work carefullyto follow electrical
Path to Entry:
  • Finish high school (take classes in math, electronics, or construction).
  • Complete a solar installer training course or apprenticeship
  • Obtain NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification (widely recognized standard).
  • Train on-the-job with a solar installation
  • Stay updated on PV technologies and electrical
  •  
Career Advancement:
  • Senior installer/team lead; project manager for solar installations; energy auditor; transitions to PV system design or renewable energy sales.
Recommended Resources:
  • NABCEP: Certification programs for solar PV
  • Solar Training Programs: Colleges and trade schools offering solar certification (e.g. SEI Solar Energy International courses).
  • SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association): Industry information and job

Video Resource: “How to Install Solar Panels” (demonstration videos on YouTube).

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