The line construction trade requires an extreme physical fitness level, hard work, and commitment both mentally and physically. Students must be able to work under pressure and make quick, sound decisions. The trade sounds fun and looks cool, but it is extremely dangerous. Lineworkers put their lives and the lives of their coworkers on the line every day.
This program will assist you in obtaining a Class A CDL, First Aid/CPR card, Flagging Traffic Control card, and Forklift certification. These are NOT required for acceptance into the program.
This is NOT your typical college course. Students are expected to be in class every day just as they would be present at a job site. Tardiness and absenteeism are NOT tolerated. The class is very fast-paced, and missing one day or partial days puts a student too far behind in course work to catch up. Training is four months (78 days, 616 hours instruction time) divided into three steps. The course runs Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with academic and skills training. Homework will be assigned. Testing and certifications may require some evening and/or weekend scheduling.
Gas Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Participants learn the skills required of a gas crew helper including how to excavate around buried utilities, install polyethylene gas pipeline, pipeline fittings, locate wire, and residential gas meters and regulators in addition to learning to use the various tools and equipment of the trade though actual field experience. Classroom training covers safety, electrical theory, fundamentals of heating gases that range from natural gas to propane, trenching and shoring requirements, locating of underground pipeline, and the importance of attitude and integrity necessary to succeed in today’s work environment.
Line Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Participants learn the skills required of a line crew helper including how to set and climb poles, install cross-arms, hardware, lines and transformers in addition to learning to use the various tools and equipment of the trade through actual field experience. Classroom training covers safety, electrical theory, transformers, switching, print reading, and the importance of attitude and teamwork necessary to succeed in today’s work environment.
Disclaimer
Attending and completing this program does not guarantee any type of employment, nor does it guarantee employment with Avista. There are more opportunities are applicants who are willing and prepared for travel outside the Northwest. Many employment opportunities exist with gas utilities throughout the country as entry-level crew helper or apprentice gas worker. We prepare our students with interviewing skills and multiple employer contacts.