Powerline Mechanic (Lineman)

Powerline worker climbing pole

Program Overview

Formerly known as Renewable Energy Generation, Transmission and Distribution - Powerline Mechanic, LATTC offers 3 programs which prepare students to obtain entry-level positions in the utility sector.  To see classes to take for each program, click on the Degree, or Certificate of Achievement link.  To see details on how to enroll in the Powerline Mechanic program, please scroll down to the section labeled: Powerline Mechanic Program Information.

Electrical Line-Worker (Lineman) - PDF
Pre-Enrollment Physical Screening - PDF

Contact
Chairperson: William Elarton, Pathway Chairperson, Construction, Maintenance & Utilities

Phone: (213) 763-3700

Email: @email
Office Location: School of Construction, Maintenance & Utilities E2-122
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30 am–6 pm
Closed holidays and weekends

Department

Pathway
Construction, Maintenance & Utilities Pathway (CMU)

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Powerline Mechanic student at work in the pole yard.

Program Details

Award Title - Renewable Energy Generation, Transmission & Distribution: Award Type Required Course Units Total Major Units GE
Units
     - Powerline Mechanic AS 34-36 40-43 21
     - Powerline Worker: Pole Climbing C 18-20 18-20  
     - Utility Industry Fundamentals C 19-21 19-21  

Powerline Mechanic Program Information

This program is offered in the morning, afternoon or evenings, as follows:

Morning Program (Spring or Fall)

Offered TWICE per year
Spring (February to June)    Fall (September to December)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday  7:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Day Program (Spring or Fall)

Offered TWICE per year
Spring (February to June)    Fall (September to December)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday  10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Evening Program

(One time per year August to June)
Begins Fall term and continues through Winter and the following June term.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday   5:00 PM to 10:10 PM
 

Program Overview

Development of basic skills needed to be successful trainees for electrical-related career ladders are emphasized. These skills include overall safety considerations, power pole climbing skills, knowledge of the basic tools and materials involved with the electrical line crafts, general construction standards, basic rigging principles, and basic electrical theory that is specific to this trade. A 175-hour power pole-climbing certificate of completion is granted to students who successfully complete the course. A component of this course also includes preparation for Civil Service examinations that are likely required for positions at municipal companies.

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers various programs for individuals interested in working in the utility industry. The programs enable individuals to be prepared to take the entry level certification for electrical craft helper and entry into various Utility Lineman Apprentice Program such as: DWP, SCE, SG&E, PG&E. It is recommended to begin with the fundamentals certificate of achievement and then move to the larger certificates and then complete the degree programs. The certificates are stackable meaning as you reach each level the classes build so you do not have to repeat courses that you have already taken.

How to Enroll in the Powerline Mechanic Class

ELECL 601 – This course has restricted enrollments.

Two pre-requisite courses (Econmt 116 AND either Econmt 119 or Econmt 173), a Doctor's Fitness Screening and a Physical Agility Test (PAT) are required prior to being admitted to the class.

Click Here to see PAT details and required doctor's certification.

READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS!!

Items to Check:

  • Current Student Status or Student ID. If you have not applied for the school, please go to the http://www.lattc.edu/guides and follow the steps to apply.
  • Check if you have any holds with LACCD (this includes all 9 college campuses) and clear them or call (213) 763-7225.
  • Go to the Student Portal and sign in. Follow the directions for finding a class in people soft.
  • Click the “Find A Class” button on the right side of the screen
  • Institution: LA Community College District
  • Term: Spring or Fall 20XX
  • Type “ELECL” in the subject box
  • Remove the check mark from “Show Open Classes Only”
  • Select LA Trade-Technical College from the campus drop down menu
  • Action: Add
  • Section Number: XXXXX
  • Click submit
  • You will get a message saying the class is full (this is normal) and asking you if you would like to add your name to the waitlist. Click YES. You will then get your waitlist number. Please write the number down and include it in any correspondence. If you are not given the option to add your name to the waitlist, then it means the waitlist is full. If you do not have a waitlist number, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to get in the class.
  • Make sure you monitor your school issued email. All communications are done using that email. You must be on the waitlist to stay in communication.
  • Notifications of the PAT (Physical Agility Test) dates and schedule, as well as any other information that becomes available, will be emailed to your school email address ONLY. 
    • PAT test dates are typically scheduled approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the start of each term.

Only those that have completed the two prerequisite classes and have passed the PAT and fitness screening, will be eligible to be enrolled from the waitlist. The CMU office will enroll eligible  students at the start of the term in waitlist order.

If you are unable to add your name to the waitlist, take a screenshot of the message you get and email it to @email along with your student ID number, the section you are trying to enroll in, and the semester.

Powerline Mechanic Tool List

  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Gasses (Clear and Smoked)
  • Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Climbing Gloves
  • Work Gloves
  • Jeans
  • Climbing Boots with a Steal Shank
  • Climbing Belt with Safety Straps (Provided by School)
  • Climbers (Gaffs) (Provided by school)
  • Hammer (Claw)
  • 12” Crescent Wrench
  • 8” Crescent Wrench
  • Screwdriver 12” (Flat Head)
  • Channel Locks
  • Klein’s (Side cutters)
  • Wood Ruler 6

All specifics will be discussed the first day of class. This is just a brief overview.