Electrical Lineworker - Job Training - Cape Fear Community College

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The Electrical Lineworker Training Program is a 10-week course designed to prepare you for a challenging, interesting, and high-paying career as an electrical lineman.

At the CFCC Electrical Lineworker Training Program you will learn the skills and knowledge required of an apprentice lineman:

  • Setting & climbing poles
  • Installing cross arms, hardware, lines & transformers
  • Using tools & equipment of the trade through field experience
  • Overhead & underground construction practices
  • Electric theory & practice
  • Safety and teamwork
  • Commercial driving
Need help studying for your CDL Permit?

Prepare to pass the CDL permit test with CFCC’s 20-hour, online CDL Permit Prep class. The self-paced course covers the three parts of the CDL Permit Exam: Air Brakes, General Knowledge, and Combination Vehicle. Sign up for a class today!

Are you active duty military looking to attend via SkillBridge?

To obtain a SkillBridge Acceptance Letter, email us at workforceinfo@cfcc.edu . Please ensure that you attach a copy of your stamped Skillbridge Packet Checklist (MFR-1) or any other documentation that confirms your attendance at TRS. Additionally, provide us with the name of the base where you are stationed and the desired class dates. Please note that we require a copy of your Command’s Approval Letter before the start of the class. Search & Register Upcoming Courses

An “In-demand” Trade

The Carolina Energy Workforce Consortium (representing North and South Carolina) is addressing a serious shortage of electrical lineworkers. They estimate that the industry will need approximately 800 new linemen each year for the next 5 years. In North Carolina, experienced lineman earn a median annual salary of $75,220, while the national median is $85,420.

Course Specifics

  • The Electrical Lineworker Training Program is designed to train persons that wish to become entry-level electrical lineworkers for private and public utility companies and related employers.
  • Students will learn the academic and field skills necessary for entry-level workers.
  • Safety is stressed in every aspect of the job.
  • Students will receive Flagger and OSHA 10 safety training.
  • The course is limited to 60 students. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Resume and job interview assistance is available.
  • Job placement assistance is available. Employers will be on-site to interview graduates following the graduation ceremony. The course is 400 hours and 350 hours are credited to your apprenticeship with your future employer. Utility companies have new employees complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship. Therefore, this 10-week course reduces apprenticeship duration once in a job.
NOTE: If you do not have your CDL Class A Permit AND your DOT Drug Screen Results by the 1st day YOU WILL NOT be admitted to the program! You will have the option to transfer to a later class or request a refund. (DOT Drug Screens must be completed within 30 days prior to first day of class.)

If you have had a DUI/DWI in the last year, you must wait at least 1 year to enter the program.

Course Offering Schedule
Course Location North Campus4500 Blue Clay RoadCastle Hayne, NC 28429NE Building, Rooms 131 and 135
2025 Classes January 13 – March 24April 7 – June 16July 14 – September 22October 6 – December 15
2026 Classes January 12 – March 23, 2026April 6 – June 15, 2026July 13 – September 21, 2026October 5 – December 14, 2026
Class Schedule Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5 pmFriday, 6 hours of assigned online work

Orientation is required for dropping off copies of required documents, filling out paperwork and to use this time to ask any questions you may have about the program. Orientation takes place in NE 131 one week before class starts. You can attend the 8 am or the 4 pm session. Email notifications will start being sent two months prior to the start of class.

These classes are open for registration using the “Search & Register Upcoming Classes” link above.

If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for a class that is no longer listed, email your full name and phone number to workforceinfo@cfcc.edu .

Class Times
The Electrical Lineworker Training Program is a 10-week, Monday-Thursday training course. Each week consists of 40 hours of training. Each day is 7:30 am – 5 pm with a 1-hour lunch. Lineman work outside in all weather conditions and the training program will be no different. Major holidays are observed.
Costs
**Students must pay the $390.00 registration fee to secure a spot in the class. Students must purchase lineman boots prior to the class start date (costs vary). Scholarships and Grants may be available for students to apply for during the duration of the course. These are awarded in the form of a reimbursement; amounts may vary. There is no tuition for this course – only the registration fee. The prices below are approximate.

Registration $290

Registration costs will increase to $390 beginning July 2024.

Textbooks Check CFCC bookstore for pricing
DOT Physical & Drug Screen

Dependent upon provider

Drug screen must be completed within 30 days prior to the start date of class.

$100 & up

Additional Drug Screen

*Students will be subject to another drug screen during the class.

*$42

*Increasing to $47 beginning May 15, 2024

DMV Class A CDL Learner Permit

Learner permit required to obtain license during course

$60
Lineman-Style Boots

Composite or steel toe, slip-on or lace-up, 8″-10″ height preferred

Required and costs may vary

$200
Tetanus Shot

Recommended but not required

$75

Apply for a Scholarship

Requirements
Weight under 275 lbs

Students must have lineman-style boots prior to class start date

  • Composite or steel toe
  • Slip-on or lace-up
  • 8″ – 10″ height preferred
  • Recommended: double shank

DOT Physical & Drug Screen

  • Fastest Labs of Wilmington (DISCOUNT AVAILABLE) (2011 Corporate Dr. Unit 1, Wilmington, NC 28405)
  • Medac (4402 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403)

Clean criminal background preferred – no need for copy or proof Individual employers have the right to select applicants in accordance with their specific policies and procedures. Criminal background checks are completed by most employers. Therefore, CFCC cannot guarantee employment upon graduation.

Current tetanus vaccine recommended – no need for copy or proof

If you have had a DUI/DWI in the last year, you must wait at least 1 year to enter the program.

On designated orientation days, please bring COPIES of the following:

  1. Copy of High School Diploma, Transcript or GED
  2. Copy of Valid Driver’s License – can be out-of-state
  3. Copy of Medical Certificate – Showing proof of completed DOT physical. Must be kept on your person daily throughout entire class from start to end date. No exceptions.
  4. Copy of DOT Drug Screen Results – Can be emailed to workforceinfo@cfcc.edu or faxed to 910-362-7494 by provider. Drug screen must be completed within 30 days PRIOR to the start date of class.
  5. Copy of Class A Commercial Learner Permit
    • Study sections 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in the CDL Manual to study for your permit. The following tests must be passed with an 80% or higher: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles & Air Brakes.
    • Students must have their Class A Commercial Learner Permit prior to the first day of class or they cannot attend the class. The permit is required because we train and test students for their Class A CDL during the program. We accept out-of-state permits.
    • Download the CDL Prep app if you have an iPhone or DMV Genie if you have an Android.
  6. DD Form 214 for Veterans
Dress Code
Long-sleeve work shirt/T-shirt – no tank tops or T-shirts with offensive images/content

Long pants or jeans

Work boots – Lineman style, composite or steel toe/double shank, slip-on or lace-up, 8″ – 10″ height preferred

  • J. Harlen boots
  • Red Wing – local in Wilmington, NC
  • Tomlinson Sales Co. – local in Wilmington, NC
  • Recommended brands are Hall’s or Hoffman

No jewelry – no earrings, necklaces, rings, facial piercings, etc.

Hotel/Housing Information
The Reserve at Forest Hills
  • 3-month leases available with utilities included in rent
  • Furnished and unfurnished options available
  • Call for more information: 910-763-7663
The Creek at Forest Hills
  • Short term leases available
  • Call for more information: 910-415-1902
The Hampton Inn Wilmington – University Area/Smith Creek Station

  • $94 for CFCC students
  • 124 Old Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
  • Speak with Kim Hale, Area Director of Sales 910-509-0003

Other

  • Extended stay hotels
  • Airbnb
  • Campgrounds
  • Realty companies in the local area may also be able to search for extended stay options
  • Google search: “student housing in Wilmington, NC” for more available options
  • Please visit the CFCC Lineworker Training Housing Facebook Group if you are interested in finding a classmate to room with.
Power Line Worker - Level 1 Power Line Worker Level 1 Trainee Guide ISBN: 9780132571098 *Textbooks can be purchased at the CFCC North Campus bookstore.

Power Line Worker Distribution - Level 2

Power Line Worker Level 2: Distribution Trainee Guide ISBN: 9780132730341

*Textbooks can be purchased at the CFCC North Campus bookstore.

entry-level driver training Tractor Trailer Driver Training Manual ISBN: 9781680084931

*Textbooks can be purchased at the CFCC North Campus bookstore.

Request Information

  • Name First Last
  • Phone*
  • Email*
  • Will you be attending via the Skillbridge Program?*
    • Yes
    • No
    Skillbridge applies to Active Duty Military members.

Contact Information

  • Workforce Development

    910-362-7370 workforceinfo@cfcc.edu

Program Tours

Join us for a tour of our Lineworker program!

For help with your G.I. Bill, please contact:

Jason Bocchino Assistant Director Veteran and Military Services 910-362-7106 jbocchino@cfcc.edu cfcc.edu/veterans

WIOA Scholarships

NCWorks

Call or visit your local NCWorks Career Center today to learn if you qualify for WIOA sponsorship! Eligibility factors apply. Ask to speak to a WIOA Title I Specialist. Learn more on the Financial Assistance page.

The Forward Fund (TFF)

tff logo The Forward Fund (TFF) helps Cape Fear Community College students enrolled in the Electrical Lineworker Training Program cover their cost of attendance and living expenses with a 0% interest loan.

What We Offer:

  • Financial Support: Access funding to cover program cost, equipment, and cost of living expenses during your training.
  • Student Support: Preferential loan terms designed to move you forward so you can repay without the long-term burden of student loans.

If you are interested in learning more about this funding opportunity, please visit The Ascent Funding website .

Southeastern Community Action Partnership

SOUTHEASTERN COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP LOGO

Contact Southeastern Community Action Partnership to learn if you qualify for the Family Empowerment Self Sufficiency Program. Must reside in Robeson, Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Scotland, Pender, and Brunswick Counties.

910-827-2871 mitchde@scapnc.org Cape Fear Community College

(910) 362-7000

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