Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training Center
Avista Line Construction Pre-apprenticeship
Spokane Community College and Avista have formed a unique partnership with the goal of introducing people to the demanding field of the lineworker.
This introductory course is open to individuals interested in entry level positions leading to career positions in the line craft.
Through classroom and field training, participants will be introduced to a variety of knowledge and skills which are essential to the trade.
The Line Construction school is held at Avista's linemen training facility. The facility features three fully equipped classrooms with an on-site
shop that houses a fully stocked line truck used exclusively for training. The ten-acre line construction site is equipped with a variety of line
construction set-ups designed to provide a quality training environment. Hundreds of apprentices and journeymen from utilities and construction
companies have benefited from our training facilities and programs.
Nature of the training
Participants will learn the skills and knowledge required of a line crew helper. They will learn to set and climb poles, install crossarms, hardware,
line and transformers along with learning how to use various tools and equipment of the trade through actual field experience. Classroom training will
cover safety, electrical theory, transformers, switching and the importance of attitude and teamwork to succeed in today’s work environment.
About the conditions
Participants will be exposed to classroom instruction along with physically demanding outdoor construction work in varying weather conditions.
Participants will be expected to become accustomed to heights while pole climbing and to complete a variety of tasks while on the pole.
Employment outlook
Employment opportunities for qualified ground workers and apprentices willing to relocate have been good and look promising for the future. Graduates
will be proficient in entry level skills leading to jobs with construction or utility companies that may provide long-term career opportunities.
Additional information
Residence requirement: None
Age requirement: Must be 18
Physical requirement: Must be physically able to perform the work as evidenced by job-related examinations.
Education requirement: High school diploma or equivalent. Requires the ability to learn and apply the electrical theory taught in the course.
Term of training: 624 hours (Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day for approx. 4 months)
Helpful classes or training include algebra, geometry, basic electricity, and safety practices.