The IAMU Electric Line Maintainer Apprenticeship Program (overhead) was created in 1993 with the goal of providing participants the training and job-related knowledge necessary to perform both routine and non-routine tasks safely and efficiently.

In 2017 the Electric Line Repairer Program (underground) was created to achieve the same goals but is customized for utilities with infrastructure that is all underground.  

The Electric Line Maintainer is an eight-step program and can be completed in approximately four to five years, depending upon completing the hours requirement. The Electric Line Repairer is a six-step program and can be completed in approximately three to four years, depending upon completing the hours requirement.

Please note individuals wanting to enroll in the IAMU Electric Line Maintainer or Electric Line Repairer Apprenticeship Program must currently be an employee of an IAMU member utility.  Prior training or experience in is not required, however those with previous experience may be allowed to test out of a portion of the program.

Standards

The training program is registered with the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training with IAMU serving as the sponsoring agency.  The administration of the program is governed by the Standards of Apprenticeship, which provides details regarding how the program is to function.  Upon successful completion of the program, the Department of Labor will issue a Certificate of Completion and IAMU will issue a Journeyperson Electric Line Maintainer or Line Repairer wallet card.

Correspondence Program

The current IAMU program was purchased in January 2003 and has been revised several times in order to better meet the needs of our municipal electric utility members.  Both programs consist of three components:  online testing, hands-on skill evaluations, and on-the-job training.  The Electric Line Maintainer (overhead) apprenticeship requires of 7,000 of on-the-job training and the Electric Line Repairer (underground) apprenticeship requires 6,000 hours of on-the-job training.

• Time-sheet Tutorial Video
  

Testing Process

Each step of the program is comprised of modules with associated examinations.  The examinations may be taken online or in person; taking an examination online is accomplished by using the IAMU testing portal.   A final examination is required at the end of each step, as well as at the end of each respective year of training.  Year-end testing takes place at the IAMU Training and Office Complex.  A minimum passing score of 80% is required in order to proceed to the next step of the program.

Skill Evaluations

Most of the training modules contain hands-on skill evaluations.  Typically, the personnel the apprentice is working with will administer these evaluations at the utility or arrangements can also be made with IAMU's Electric Services to conduct the evaluations at the IAMU facility.  Year-end skill evaluations will also be conducted in conjunction with year-end testing at the IAMU facility.  Apprentices are encouraged to attend IAMU's numerous electric workshops for additional training opportunities.

Cost

Contact IAMU for the current costs for the program which will include reference books, study and testing materials, annual skill evaluations, and documentation/certification upon successful completion of the program.