Utility Construction - Avista

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 AM-4:30 PM, 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

This is not a paid training; you attend class and look for employment when finished. Attending and completing this program does not guarantee any type of employment, nor does it guarantee employment with Avista. For applicants who are willing and prepared to travel outside the Northwest, placement is good. Many construction line contractors and utilities hire our graduates throughout the country as entry-level ground worker or apprentice lineworker. We prepare our students with interviewing skills and numerous employer contacts.

Please note: You must be willing and prepare yourself to travel outside the Northwest for employment.

The admissions process for the Avista Line Construction program has several steps.

1. You must meet the admission requirements.
2. You must apply to the Utility Construction School. As part of your application, you will be required to pass a math test administered by Avista. If you pass the test, you will need to pass an interview at Avista as well.
3. If you are not already a student at SCC, you must apply to SCC.

If you are accepted into the program, the school will make arrangements for your enrollment with Spokane Community College. Enrollment cannot be made with the college until you have been accepted by the Utility Construction School. To learn more about the admission requirements and the admission process, visit our admissions page.

Program-Specific Costs

The Avista Line Construction program requires you to purchase a variety of tools and supplies. Tools are offered at a discount from supporting vendors at the time of registration. You can usually get a better price there. Proper body belt sizing and fitting are very important and are done at registration. If you have your own climbing tools, they must be inspected by an instructor at registration to ensure they meet safety standards. To learn more about the program's tuition, fees, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, visit our Tuition & Costs page.