Vol74-9 September 2024

Journeyman linemen complete training program

SMECO celebrated the graduation of apprentice group 23 in July.

In late 2019, apprentice group 23 began SMECO’s Apprentice Lineman’s Training Program—over 8,000 hours of study and rigorous training— to fulfill their aspirations of becoming skilled journeyman linemen. They achieved high marks in their studies and finished their years of training with no recordable injuries.

When SMECO needs additional linemen to expand its workforce or to fill vacancies, it hires new apprentices who are trained in groups. The training combines classroom studies and field exercises with on-the-job instruction. The groups progress through eight steps that last six months each, passing tests of their knowledge and skills in line work to move up the steps.