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Pre-Apprentice Lineworker School

What is a Lineworker?

A lineworker is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power systems, including poles, wires, and transformers, to ensure reliable energy distribution. Calhoun Community College’s Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program prepares individuals for entry-level careers in this high-demand field through hands-on training, safety instruction, and essential technical skills.

Schedule and Cost

  • Course Timeframe:
    • June 01 – July 17, 2026. Registration Closed
    • August 31 – October 16, 2026. Registration Closed
    • October 26 – December 11, 2026. Registration Closed
    Registration for the January – February 2027 program opens soon! To receive an email notification when registration begins, contact jillian.christensen@calhoun.edu.
  • Days & Times: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 1-2 weekends may be required
  • Location: Decatur Campus, Lineworker Yard
  • Cost: $4,790
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Why Calhoun?

  • Our graduates benefit from a 90% or better hire rate in the field.
  • Our course meets all of the requirements for successful employment in the Lineworker field for a fraction of the cost and half the time of related schools.

Course Description

The Calhoun Community College Pre-Apprentice Lineworker course provides the necessary skills and qualifications desired by utility companies and contractors in the North Central Alabama region. We are governed by an advisory board which sets the content, length, and cost of the program.

Success depends on the mental and physical preparedness of the students, and our instructors provide excellent group and individual supervision/training.

Our course is capped at 7 weeks based on the recommendation of our Advisory Board. All of our graduates, and those from any other Lineman school, are Pre-Apprentice Lineman who will have to enter a registered apprentice program with their employer. No student from any lineman course graduates as a full Lineman. That title takes years to gain for any person from any school working at any company.

Our 7-week course provides the following nationally recognized certificates:
  • Commercial Driver’s License – Class A or B
  • TVPPA Climbing Lab Certificate
  • OSHA 10 General Industry/Construction
  • CPR/First Aid
  • ACT WorkKeys assessment
The course also provides documentation of the following skills:
  • Pole-Top Rescue
  • Framing and Construction
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • Flagger – Training
  • Ropes and Knot-tying
Students receive training in the following:
  • Digger-Derrick/Pole Setting
  • Rigging
  • Transformers- hanging and connection
  • Underground distribution
  • Electrical theory and application
  • Substation design, maintenance, and safety

Course Details

Application Requirements Due After Registration
  • High school diploma or GED; Must be 18 years of age.
  • CDL Permit – Class A or B
  • DOT Physical/Drug Screen – Drug Screen must be dated within 30 days of the course start date.
  • 3-Year Motor Vehicle History (Driving Record) – Must be dated within 30 days of the course start date.
  • Calhoun Workforce Solutions registration packet– complete after online registration.

Class Supplies & Equipment

Calhoun provides each student a pair of Red Wing LoggerMax boots, hard hat, gloves, and two sets of eye protection. We also loan a tool bag to each student. The loaned tool bag contains every item needed to successfully complete the program. After graduation, you can buy your own tools, but many companies provide belts, tools and related equipment after hiring our graduates.

Need Your Commercial Driver’s License?

Pre-Apprentice Lineman School CDL Training and Testing program is available for students holding a learner’s permit, seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B license, who are enrolled in the Calhoun Community College Pre-Apprentice Lineman School course.
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Scholarships and Funding Options

TVA/Huntsville Utility Scholarship

TVA and Huntsville Utilities have partnered with Calhoun Community College to sponsor a total of 10 Madison County residents the opportunity to attend the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program.
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WIOA Approved Program

For information concerning the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to cover the cost of this program, please contact the Alabama Career Center:

If you are approved for WIOA funding, please contact our office at 256-306-2928 to complete your registration.

Paths for Success Scholarship

Students may qualify for and apply for the Paths for Success scholarship if they need financial assistance to cover costs like tuition, transportation, or childcare while pursuing a credential or certification that leads to employment.

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The ELM Foundation Scholarship

A student can apply for a workforce scholarship from the ELM Foundation in Huntsville, AL if they need financial support to pursue career training or certification programs that lead to sustainable employment and long-term self-sufficiency.
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Sallie Mae® Student Loan

Interested in a personal student loan from Sallie Mae®? Students must be certified/authorized for Sallie Mae® loans at least 30 days prior to the class start date.

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Refund Policy

A full refund may be obtained by placing a written request to the Calhoun Community College Workforce Solutions Project Manager, Jillian Christensen, jillian.christensen@calhoun.edu – no later than 30 days prior to the program start date. No refund is available after 30 days prior to the program start date. If the refund deadline has passed, you may transfer into the next available class. Only one class transfer is allowed and no transfers are allowed after the start date of the original class in which you registered.

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