Utility Lineworker Program

How to apply:

1. Apply to LCC

Lineworker Program Timeline:

Please use the timeline below as a reference. It will give you an idea of how the program progresses.

Mid-January:
Information session dates and info sent to prospective students.

February:
Information Session(s) will be held during this time. This is the first step towards being in our program. The Information Session will provide all of the information you will need about our program and about the application process. You will also be given an application at this time.

Early-April:
Applications due. An exact date will be given at the information session you attend.

Mid-April:
Applications reviewed and students chosen and notified via your new LCC student email.

Late-April:
Mandatory meetings of accepted students. Discuss LPAT, Info given out, and process discussed for test times sign up.

Early-May:
Information sent out about summer class registration.

Late-May:
LPAT and Metal Pole Climb test.

June:
Summer classes. Those who fail LPAT required to take PFFT 181 - Fitness A.

Late-July/Mid-August:
Pole Climb I - ELTE 181.

Late-August:
Mandatory meeting. Begin Fall semester.

Late-October/November:
Pole Climb II - ELTE 182, Interviews scheduled for ELTE 270 rank.

Late-December/Early-January:
Marshall 4-day orientation/testing - ELTE 270.

January:
Spring Semester begins.

Late-April:
Mechanical aptitude test & ELTE 186. Ranking for Climb Schools notified.

Late-May/Mid-July:
1st Climb schools at Consumers & LCC - ELTE 272/274/276.

Late-August/Mid-October:
2nd Climb schools at Consumers & LCC - ELTE 272/274/276.

To be added to our mailing list for further updates and reminders, please submit your contact information using our Request for Information form. Please submit only ONE request. Allow 3-5 business days for you to receive the email. Questions can also be sent to lcc-lineworker@lcc.edu.

How long is the program?
The application process is usually 3-4 months long, and the coursework is about 13 months long.

What is the typical timeline for the program?
The tentative timeline for the current program can be found on our Lineworker Timeline. The application period typically occurs through the Spring and coursework begins in Summer semester.

How many seats are available in the program?
At this time, we have 40 seats available for the School-to-Work program. This is subject to change.

How much does the program cost?
Approximately $12,000 for in-district and $19,000 for out-of-district. Please see our program cost chart for a breakdown of tuition and fees.

Is funding available for the program?
You may be able to receive Financial Aid, which will apply toward the program. Please contact the Financial Aid office, 517-483-1200.  
Divisional Scholarships are also available on a yearly basis, with applications being accepted in the January prior to applying for the program.

Is the Lineworker Program eligible for the GI Bill®?
Yes, it is eligible for the GI Bill®.  For more information, please contact the Veteran Affairs office.

What is the School-to-Work Program?
The School-to-Work program is an opportunity to take your climbing courses with offsite providers, such as Consumers Energy. The seats for this program are limited. Upon successful completion of the program you will receive LCC’s certificate of achievement plus have a potential opportunity to be hired with the provider.

What is the Great Lakes Center for Utility Training (GLCUT)?
The Great Lakes Center for Utility Training (GLCUT) program is LCC’s in-house climbing school. It is structured very similar to our partner’s programs, and you will receive LCC’s certificate of achievement upon successful completion of your climbing courses.

Where can I get the application?
The application will be available at the next information session. Information sessions are typically held yearly in February or March, unless otherwise announced.  You must come to an information session in order to receive an application for the program.

How can I find out about the information sessions?
Submit your contact information to be added to our mailing list. We will send a notice to your email when information sessions are available.

When is the application due?
Usually early April, depending on the date of the information sessions.

What requirements do I need to apply?
We will consider your criminal record & driving record. You must be eligible to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You must have applied to LCC and obtained a minimum of 4 in each of the three placement tests. Some other conditions apply. Please view our line worker application requirements to find out more information.

How do I get accepted into the program?
Each application is scored based on a number of items such as a pole climb test, a physical ability test, work and education experience, and scores on your LCC Accuplacer placement tests. Your application will be scored by a diverse team of individuals from LCC.

Where do the line worker classes take place?
Most courses will be held at LCC’s West Campus.
If you are a part of the School-to-Work program, ELTE 270, 272, 274, 276 will be at the Consumers Energy Marshall Training Center.

When do line worker classes start?
Summer semester (typically early June) after program application.

When do the line worker classes take place?
Academic course work is typically offered both daytime and evening to fit a variety of work schedules. Some are online and/or self-paced. ELTE 270 is a 4-day climbing class that typically occurs after your first semester of classes.   ELTE 272, 274 & 276 is 10 weeks of full-day climbing classes at the end of the program.

What if I have already taken courses at LCC?
If you have taken any of the courses on the Class Offering list other than the fitness classes and passed with a minimum of 2.0 they will count toward your program credits once you are accepted. Previous fitness classes will have to be retaken.

What if I have taken courses at another college?
If you have taken electrical classes or any classes that are similar to courses on LCC’s Class Offering list you may receive LCC credit toward your Certificate. Contact the Utility & Energy Systems Office at 517-483-1570 to set up an appointment to review your transcripts.

What happens when I complete the program?
You will receive a certificate of achievement from LCC. If you are a part of the School-to-Work program, you may receive a place in the Consumers Energy hiring pool. There is no guarantee of employment or being placed in the hiring pool upon completion.

If I am in the school-to-work program, how long will it take to be hired by Consumers after completing the program?
Consumers hires based on their budget and other factors. We cannot guarantee employment with them.

If I am in the School-to-Work program and Consumers hires me, do I get to choose the job location?
Consumers places you in a hiring pool based on a ranking scale. Jobs will be offered to you as they become available, regardless of location. You may not get offered a location that you desire. 

Does LCC work with any other companies for job placement?
At this time, LCC is promoting our line worker program to local contractors, municipalities and co-ops and will inform students of job opportunities that become available.  LCC cannot guarantee job placement.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.