Lineman apprenticeship/groundman call vs Trucking

Just remember to always respect the dangers, what ever you do.

 

Im in the exact situation, except ive been hauling cars for 3 years, and im ready to move into something new and challenging, Im currently working with my Local union to get in the apprenticeship program, or ill go to lineman school (http://lineworker.com/) , currently im looking for a gas hauler position in my area, and ill haul gas till i get the call i want

 

Cool ill be sure to respond to it

 

any updates?

 

If you have the opportunity to get any driving experience at all take it !!!!!! I work / drive for a Electrical & Mechanical Contractor now, Operating Engineer Local 132. We have a Groundsman that "thought" he had it all figured out.... Ended up with a 45 or 50 foot pole on a trailer, stopped for fuel at the GoMart at exit 15 on I-64 in WV, ended up ripping the grill shell off a mans parked Peterbilt with his tail swing. It's a different world. Course that same guy tore up some of our company trucks too, not everyone is capable of driving a wheelbarrow let alone a truck, he is one of them. I do wish you the best on your venture. Lineman work is an occupation where you can right your own check at times. look twice and move once.

 

As I've noted before in other threads, I made good money repowering a 110,000 lb water trailer when one of the company drivers didn't engage the interaxle differential lock on a 20% grade dirt road and snapped the drive shaft. Some companies that aren't carriers put their employees through CDL school, thinking that's all they need. I mean, "How hard can this be?"

If you get actual OTR or off road experience before taking a job as a lineman or water technician or whatever, you will be a far more valuable asset to the company. If for any reason you have to wait for that job or it doesn't pan out then your CDL guarantees you have something to fall back on.

 

Just remember to use ALL the space that's available to you when turning. ALL of it. Even if you don't think you need it, use it.

 

I grew up in a family of self employed drillers. From 1969 to about 1981 I was always with family on a drill somewhere in these hills. Bought my own semi in 1987 and learned to drive while doing a test drive of the truck, from Huntington to Marietta, OH and back. Simply been adding to my knowledge and experience all this time, and I'm "Still Learning"! No one knows it all. Started with this company on a Cat Dozer in southern WV making roads for a core drill machine. Owner liked the fact I could and would Yo Yo myself over steep areas to get the job done, spend most of my time on the road now. Electrical is the greater % of our work, I'm actually in Mobile, AL now boring under the Mobile River for a 13000 volt cable. Wish everyone the best of luck, stay safe out there.