Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
volume 1

NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
electrical lineworker program

2021 CATALOG

LINEMAN.EDU
LINEMAN.EDU
Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM

                                ID

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
CONTENTS

4      FOUNDER'S MESSAGE                     42      GENERAL INFORMATION
                                             44      Student Services
6      ABOUT NLC                             45      Admission Requirements
7      Highlights                            46      Enrollment Process
8      History                               47      Stay Connected
10     Facilities                            48      Funding
12     Professionals & Educators             50      Board and Officers
14     Curriculum                            51      Contact Information
15     Three-Phase Educational Model         52      Instructors
16     Preparing Students for Success
17     Traits of Successful Graduates
                                             54      policies
                                             54      General Program Policies
18     elECTRICAL LINEWORKER                 62      VA and Eligible Persons Policies
       PROGRAM overview                      62      California Specific Policies
20     Career Opportunities                  64      Florida Specific Policies
21     Career Outlook                        66      Idaho Specific Policies
22     Employment Statistics                 67      Texas Specific Policies
22     Safety in Power Delivery
                                             69      Attendance Policy for COVID-19
24     A Renewable Future
25     Innovating Electrical Linework                Situations
26     Training Environment                  69      Hardship Withdrawal Due to
27     Graduation Requirements                       COVID-19
28     ELP Program Information               70      Graduation Requirements CDL/CLP
29     Course Descriptions                   70      Optional Course Refunds
32     Optional Course Descriptions
                                             70      Refund Information–Housing
34     CDL Testing Course Descriptions
36     CDL/CLP Graduation Requirements       71      Veterans & Eligible Persons
38     ELP Tools
40     Program Calendar
41     Program Costs

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
You are also encouraged to review the Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment
agreement (CA campus).

The content, costs, and policies stated in this catalog (2021 Volume 1) are valid from its publication date of September 17, 2020
until its end date of December 31, 2021, or until an updated version is published, whichever comes first.

Visit lineman.edu for the most current catalog version.

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
FOUNDER’s message

                                                                                                                                    TX

NLC MISSION                                  NLC CORE VALUES
To improve lives, the industries we serve,   PASSION: Love what you do with persistence, motivation, and the attitude to succeed.
and the country, Northwest Lineman
College will be a dynamic, visionary,
                                             INTEGRITY: Do the right thing—even when no one is watching—so trust, honor,
and leading international educational
                                             and dependability are your hallmarks.
institution providing the benchmark
standard of human performance,
training, and products for the trades that   EXCELLENCE: Innovate always, leveraging originality and teamwork, so your legacy
exceed the expectations of customers.        of positive contribution to the industry is guaranteed.

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
FOUNDER’S
                                                                                                                 MESSAGE

Congratulations on considering a career in power delivery—an industry
that offers many rewards and challenges with excellent pay, benefits,
and security. NLC provides the quality education needed to prepare you
for success.

Everyone needs electricity, and it’s the highly respected tradespeople who keep this
service running in all weather conditions, at all hours. In my opinion, this is one of the
greatest trades of all, made up of great people. A career in power delivery should be
strongly considered by those who enjoy challenges, adventure, problem-solving, and
camaraderie. This trade is an ideal choices for people who like working with their hands
and want variety and physical activity in their work. It also provides many opportunities for
advancement into leadership and management roles.
Many of my NLC colleagues and I have worked as tradespeople for leading utility and
construction companions through the nation; in fact, I graduated from a program quite
similar to NLC’s Electrical Lineworker Program. It is this firsthand experience as seasoned
tradespeople—and now as professional educators—that allows us to know precisely the
knowledge, skills, and behavior required for you to be a top candidate with companies
across the country.
This catalog has a wealth of information to help you explore a career possibility in power
delivery. Planning and preparation are key, so please read this document thoroughly, ask
questions, and visit our campuses to meet with our remarkable training specialists and
staff. We want to make sure this trade and our training program is a fit for you and your
career goals.
Thank you for considering us for this very important training. NLC creates a positive
learning environment, and I assure you that our commitment to providing a quality
education remains unwavering.
You may only be here a short time, but you enroll for a lifetime—NLC will always help
you advance.

                                      Sincerely,

                                      Aaron Howell
                                      Founder

NLC founder Aaron Howell is a lineman, educator, and International Lineman Hall of Fame inductee.
He has traveled the country many times, meeting with utility and construction company personnel to ensure
NLC is providing the knowledge, skills, and behavior that make graduates employable across America.

                                                                                2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG   5
Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
ABOUT NLC

NLC is an industry-leading institution that provides electrical, telecom, and natural gas educational services.
NLC has revolutionized training methodology since its founding in 1993.
                                                                                                                                         ID

NLC offers career programs (entry level) for   Kabul, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, Africa.    1996 ELP graduate, and President of NLC
electrical linework, telecommunications        (for Africa, curriculum was developed in     Innovations Mark Groves.
linework, and natural gas distribution.        English and Swahili—a meaningful project     NLC’s positive influence in the industries
We also provide apprentice and                 that helped Tanzanians realize rural         we serve is the result of continual focus
journey-level training for the electric        electrification.)                            on improvement. The NLC approach has
utility industry. Hundreds of power and        Major industry manufacturers, in their       always been to do what is best for its
construction companies throughout              never-ending quest to improve safety         students. In the words of president and
the United States (as shown on the             and reliability, look to NLC for training    founder Aaron Howell, “The decisions
map on the following page), and even           and product advice as well. In fact, these   we make influence our trainees and the
internationally, use these programs. NLC       relationships led to NLC’s development of    industries, and must always be positive.”
has designed and built training centers in     the OX Block®—a remarkable invention by

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                                                                                                                                          FL
Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
ABOUT NLC

                                    Companies using NLC training                  NLC campus locations

HIGHLIGHTS
LINEMAN LEADERSHIP                             MAJOR TRAINING INITIATIVES                      THE AMERICAN LINEMAN
Several high-level leaders, including          NLC is regularly called upon by utility and     While at NLC, SVP of Research &
NLC Founder Aaron Howell, are linemen          construction companies and governments          Development Alan Drew (retired) authored
who have earned degrees and special            to assist with major training initiatives. At   The American Lineman, considered by
certifications in education, engineering,      the forefront are NLC training specialists,     many to be the finest historical book
and business.                                  who travel the world and bring their            about linemen ever written. Visit
                                               experiences back to share with NLC              theamericanlineman.com to learn more.
LINEMAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES                 students.
Founder Aaron Howell, Senior VP of                                                             SPANNING THE STRAIT
Research & Development Alan Drew               CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT                          A companion to The American Lineman,
(retired), Training Advisor Jeff Morris, VP    NLC has been developing curriculum since        Alan Drew’s Spanning the Strait details the
of Campus Operations Bill Bosch, and           1998, and has developed an extensive            story of one of the most significant projects
Training Specialist Bob Smith (retired) are    and modern curriculum supporting the            in the history of the power industry: the
all inductees in the International Lineman     industries we serve.                            crossing of the Carquinez Strait.
Hall of Fame.
                                               THE “MAROONS”                                   OX BLOCK®
THREE-PHASE EDUCATIONAL MODEL                  NLC training specialists wear special           NLC graduate and President of NLC
NLC developed its own special method           maroon shirts that only they can                Innovations Mark Groves invented the
of instruction called the Three-Phase          wear—they are not available for sale.           OX Block®, revolutionizing rigging in the
Educational Model, which focuses on the        Often referred to as “The Spine of the          power industry. It is manufactured via
three domains of learning while providing      Company,” these experienced tradesmen           license by Buckingham Manufacturing.
a quality education in a positive learning     are trained in sound teaching and training      Videos featuring the OX Block can be
environment.                                   methodologies.                                  found on YouTube.

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
History
The history of NLC dates back to 1991, when two of its founders—Gerald McKie and Aaron Howell (both Boise
State University linework trainers at the time)—realized that a more modern program needed to be developed.

The two decided the best course of             NLC’s commitment to continual                 Throughout its history, NLC’s leaders
action would be to establish a private         improvement of the industry was               dreamed of applying its proven
college dedicated to providing the finest      punctuated in 2011 by the hiring of           educational methods to other skilled-
educational offerings ever known in the        alumnus Mark Groves, with the intent of       trade industries. In 2019, NLC finally
industry. To help realize this endeavor,       manufacturing better, safer tools for the     had the opportunity to do just that,
Howell approached fellow lineman Shane         industry. Groves and Howell developed a       by offering entry-level programs in
Porter, NLC’s third founder.                   snatch block with friction capabilities—      telecommunications linework and in
McKie brought extensive trade and              the highly successful OX Block®—and           natural gas. These programs marked a new
training experience to the table; Howell       revolutionized rigging safety with a single   phase in the history of NLC, as they began
and Porter also had considerable               product. NLC continues its innovation with    to revolutionize these two industries, just
experience, in addition to degrees in          a wide range of other safety and training
                                                                                  ID
                                                                                             as NLC had to the electric utility industry.
business and engineering, respectively.        products that will improve the industry
The three went to work designing what          well into the future.
would become the Electrical Lineworker
Program (ELP)—a modernized, student-
focused approach to linework training.
Studying the needs of power companies
across the United States, they developed
an innovative curriculum designed to
graduate the most competitive candidates
in the country. After two years of research
and development, NLC was founded in
April 1993, opening its doors to the first
ELP class in August that same year.
The new approach was well received,
drawing considerable attention from the
industry’s best and brightest. In 1998,
Alan Drew—a lineman, engineer, and
one of the industry’s foremost experts on
linework operations and history—joined
ranks. Drew contributed immediately,
formalizing overall operations of the
college, which led to national accreditation
in 2000.
NLC’s pioneering spirit proved to be a
catalyst for growth in other areas. In
1998, more groundbreaking curriculum
was produced that took complex topics
and explained them using simple-to-
understand language and well-illustrated
imagery—luxuries the industry had been
starved for. That effort would become
the foundation for the Power Delivery
Programs, NLC’s distance-learning
subsidiary. Hundreds of power companies
enrolled thousands of employees in the
programs, only to request even more
training. Before long, NLC was delivering
on-site training to thousands more
lineworkers and other professionals across
the country—even around the world.
These efforts were led by alumnus Michael
Hennesey.

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
ABOUT NLC

                                                                                                                                                             ID

Founding members Shane Porter (far left), Gerald McKie (second from right), and Aaron Howell (far right) with NLC’s first ELP class.

                                                        August 4, 1993
                                                        Northwest Lineman College’s first official day delivering instruction.
                                                        Twenty-two students from five states converged for training from the Electrical Lineworker
                                                        Program's three founders. Students and instructors were launching completely new careers
                                                        on the exact same day.

Original NLC hard hat from 1993.

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Electrical lineworker program - NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE - 2021 CATALOG
facilities
CAMPUS DETAILS                                                                               IDAHO campus
NLC campuses are located in four beautiful, vibrant communities that provide a wide          7600 S Meridian Rd
range of recreational and cultural activities.                                               Meridian, ID 83642
Students come from all over the country to attend NLC programs at one of these               • 3 classrooms and administration space
campuses. NLC class sessions are held at the addresses listed below for the respective         including corporate offices (20,000-sq-ft)
campus a student enrolls in.
                                                                                             • 7,200-sq-ft indoor lab area

All campuses have the following:                                                             • 25-acre field-training area
• Classroom facilities with digital projection systems, internet connectivity, educational
  props, and instructional posters, learning resource centers with computers, industry-
  related publications, study areas, periodicals, and videos. Students can access any
  resource in the learning center during normal business hours.
• Appropriately equipped indoor lab areas and extensive outdoor field-training areas
  for performing competencies listed in the program sections of this catalog.
• Student lunchrooms
• Tool and merchandise stores
• Free Wi-Fi

Call 888-LINEWORK to schedule a live tour at any of our campuses or;
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR at lineman.edu

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ABOUT NLC

california campus                         texas campus                                FLORIDA campus
2009 Challenger Ave                       5110 Dakota Ln                              501 Pullman Rd
Oroville, CA 95965                        Denton, TX 76207                            Edgewater, FL 32132
• 4 classrooms and administration space   • 5 classrooms and administration space     • 3 classrooms and administration space
  (10,000-sq-ft)                            (7,000-sq-ft)                               (7,000-sq-ft)
• 14,000-sq-ft indoor lab area            • 10,000-sq-ft indoor ELP lab area          • 10,000-sq-ft indoor ELP lab area
                                          • 14-acre field-training area               • 16-acre field-training area
• 18-acre field-training area
                                          • 7,000-sq-ft gas fusion and plumbing lab   • 3,000-sq-ft gas fusion and plumbing lab

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professionals & educators
To ensure students are exposed to prevailing methods, tools, and the most current safety regulations,
NLC has a rigorous recruiting, hiring, and training process for its professional educators.
This process starts with recruiting            developing a special screening process        education courses. This highly dedicated
training specialists who are passionate        that ensures only instructors with the        group of training professionals are the
about educating the next generation            greatest knowledge, skill, and aptitude for   only members of NLC’s staff who earn
of workers, but also extends to support        training are selected. NLC trainers come      the privilege to wear the special maroon
and leadership staff, who design the           from all types of utility and construction    shirt, and are commonly referred to as
curriculum and facilities, maintain            companies, enabling students to learn         “Maroons.”
relationships with the industry, and ensure    about different career opportunities from
that NLC’s focus remains on the student.       those with firsthand experience.
NLC specially selects trainers from pools of   Upon employment, NLC trainers are
candidates from across the U.S. who have       enrolled in NLC’s internal training program
broad trade experience. NLC spent years        and are certified in a variety of adult-

                                                                                             NLC is very proud of its staff and
                                                                                             the credentials they’ve earned.
                                                                                             This includes, but is not limited to:
                                                                                             • Nine training specialists awarded the
                                                                                               distinguished NLC Educator of the
                                                                                               Year or Outstanding Training Specialist
                                                                                               award, for continually innovating and
                                                                                               advancing NLC educational offerings.
                                                                                             • Five International Lineman Hall of Fame
                                                                                               inductees (current and retired).
                                                                                             • Many military veterans, dedicated
                                                                                               to continually improving training
                                                                                               effectiveness and operations.
                                                                                             • A former elected state representative,
                                                                                               serving as NLC’s President.
                                                                                       ID    • Members of the prestigious IEEE and
                                                                                               CIGRE organizations.
                                                                                             • Multiple senior leadership members
                                                                                               who are certified journeymen electrical
                                                                                               lineworkers with years of trade
                                                                                               experience.
                                                                                             • Two three-time winners of the
                                                                                               prestigious Telly Award for video
                                                                                               production.
                                                                                             • Dozens of leadership and staff members
                                                                                               carry graduate credentials.

                                                                                             The efforts of all NLC educators,
                                                                                             leaders, and staff have led to the
                                                                                             creation of educational programs that
                                                                                             focus heavily on safety and student
                                                                                             success.

                                                                                       ID

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ABOUT NLC

                                                                                                                                                                FL

NLC Idaho Training Specialist Tater Lohr shares his trade experience with students.

                                                                                                                                                                TX

NLC VP of Apprenticeship Programs Jacob Phelps at the training center                 NLC Mobile Training Specialist Jose Lopez loves his job, rain or shine.
NLC built in Tanzania, Africa.

                                                                                                                  2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG     13
curriculum
NLC curriculum has been specially crafted to maximize student learning.
To ensure students are learning the most              designed to expose students to these                  topics that interest them the most through
modern, relevant concepts, NLC has                    concepts in three steps: they read it, hear           self-directed learning activities. Every
a curriculum development team that                    it, and then practice it.                             effort is made to ensure the curriculum is
includes technical authors, education                 NLC continually evaluates the                         a vehicle to student success, rather than a
professionals, subject-matter experts,                effectiveness of its curriculum by                    barrier.
graphic designers, and videographers.                 measuring student performance. Materials              Hundreds of power and construction
Materials are well-illustrated, explaining            not well understood are revised, and                  companies use NLC’s curriculum for
difficult concepts in an easy-to-                     unclear test questions are rewritten.                 training purposes. NLC was also specially
understand format. This approach                      Courses are sequenced in such a way that              selected by the U.S. Department of Energy
maximizes student learning and retention.             fundamental concepts are learned first,               to write curriculum related to the smart
Classroom topics are related to lab                   followed by topics that require increased             grid. Because the industries we serve
and field activities as well, reinforcing             technical understanding. Students are also            continually evolve, NLC modernizes its
important concepts. The curriculum is                 able to expand their understanding of the             materials on a regular basis.

An example of NLC’s curriculum, created by NLC’s own development team. It is specially designed to maximize student learning outcomes and is continually
updated to include the latest industry standards and best practices.

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ABOUT NLC

three-phase educational model
NLC created its Three-Phase Educational Model based on well-researched educational theories. Using this
model as the basis for the training in all NLC programs, each academic course, skill competency, and behavior
expectation fits directly into one of the three educational phases: knowledge, skill, or behavior.

                                                                               knowledge phase
                                                                           The Knowledge phase addresses
                                                                           cognitive, or intellectual activities.
                                                                           Engaging students at the highest
                                                                           cognitive level occurs in a classroom or lab
                                                                           setting. The development of intellectual
                                                                           skills includes the recall or recognition of
                                                                           specific facts, procedural patterns, and
                                                                           concepts that serve in the development
                                                                           of intellectual abilities and skills.

                                                                               skill phase
                                                                           The Skill phase is the “hands-on” phase of
                                                                           training. This is where students learn and
                                                                           practice the fundamentals of field-based
                                                                           methods. First demonstrated by training
                                                                           specialists, students follow their direction
                                                                           in practicing and building fluency in each
                                                                           competency, which is later timed and rated
                                                                           for proficiency. Often strenuous, the Skill
                                                                           Phase offers students the opportunity to
                                                                           condition their physical strengths to meet
                                                                           the demands of their industry.

                                                                               behavior phase
                                                                           While knowledge and skill are important,
                                                                           positive behavior and attitude have been
                                                                           identified by utility and construction
                                                                           company leadership as attributes
                                                                           a potential employee must have. For this
                                                                           reason, the Behavior phase focuses on
                                                                           safety, camaraderie, customer service,
                                                                           and conviction, to help students develop
                                                                           steadfast reputations for being mature,
                                                                           reliable, safe, and civic-minded.

                                                                           2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG   15
preparing students for success
Students enrolled in our programs can learn about various types of companies, opportunities,
and how to prepare to be top-tier candidates.

EDUCATING FOR SUCCESS
NLC offers a specially designed Career
Planning and Strategies course where
students learn about various jobs and
careers to which their education applies.
Students also learn effective cover
letter and résumé writing, interviewing
skills, networking methods, preparation
for entrance testing, and professional
behaviors.
NLC is committed to providing each
student the tools and resources needed to
successfully research, apply for, and secure
jobs and careers. Though it is the student’s
responsibility to decide on their career
path, NLC provides substantial assistance
and advice.

                                                                                               CA

                                                                                               CA

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ABOUT NLC

traits of successful graduates
The lengths to which NLC graduates leverage their education are nearly boundless. Presented here are the
characteristics highly successful graduates embrace to secure jobs and launch long, rewarding careers.

                                                                                                                                           FL

BE as competitive as possible                  Consider all company types                     Thoroughly research companies
There can be competition for many jobs,        AS opportunities                               Successful students and graduates take
and companies make every effort to select      NLC programs serve many industries, as         the time to learn everything they can
the best applicants. Successful graduates      shown in the career charts in this catalog.    about each company, including company
make every effort to ensure they will          Graduates who consider all these trades        type, its core values, customers, major
graduate as a top candidate as they            as potential opportunities maximize            projects, service area, system details,
progress through their program.                the number of jobs available to them.          training, and more. The more that can be
                                               Successful graduates understand this           learned, the better.
MAXIMIZE GEOGRAPHIC                            fact, and keep all options available as they
FLEXIBILITY                                    consider their employment.                     don't wait too long to
Utility and construction companies cover                                                      get into the trade
large geographic regions. Opportunities        BE relentless and organized                    History has shown that students who
increase in proportion to the size of the      in search FOR employment                       wait longer periods for a desired job to
geographic area in which a student is          New job opportunities continually              open often see their skills and knowledge
willing to work. A graduate willing to work    present themselves. Successful graduates       diminish. As more time passes, they
in any state in the country will have the      establish a diligent routine searching         become less competitive when the
most opportunities.                            for jobs, including website exploration,       opportunity for a job they really want
                                               résumé dissemination, employer visits,         comes along. It is important to get into the
                                                                                              trade as soon as possible to start building
BE WISE WITH FREE TIME                         and more. They keep record of employers
                                               contacted, résumés submitted, and              experience and improving skills and
There are 168 hours in a week. Successful
                                               company contacts. They schedule                knowledge.
students understand that when sleep,
full-time NLC schooling, and eating are        follow-up meetings. They do not become
subtracted, a substantial amount of            discouraged, knowing their efforts will
daylight hours remain; they apply these        ultimately be successful.
hours to their studies, career research, and
job search.

                                                                                              2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG        17
ELP overview

                                                                                                                                  ID

ElP graduates are:                          ELP GRADUATES WILL:
• Highly qualified for initial employment   • Learn how to safely construct, maintain,   • Learn to operate bucket trucks
• Highly successful in completing future      and operate the nation’s power grid          and digger derricks
  training programs                         • Learn how to work in elevated positions,   • Learn how to identify career options
• Prepared to pursue a long, rewarding        using the industry’s most up-to-date         and interview confidently
  career                                      safety equipment

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ELP overview

electrical lineworker
      program

                2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG   19
career opportunities
The electric utility industry offers great opportunities for exciting and rewarding long-term careers.
It is a robust, $880-billion industry1 that employs more than 384,000 American workers as of 2017.2
In the U.S. economy, the electric industry
represents 5% of real gross domestic
product (GDP). Electricity use continues
to rise, and the country is dependent on
reliable delivery of electric power more
than ever.
The Edison Electric Institute, which
represents investor-owned utilities,
estimates $1.4 trillion will be spent
between now and 2030 on building new
generation and transmission resources.
Utilities are beginning to integrate
alternative energy sources such as wind,
solar, and battery storage into their
systems as well. Electrical lineworkers are,
and will continue to be, the backbone of
these efforts.
After completing the Electrical Lineworker
Program, graduates typically enter the
power-delivery industry as pre-apprentice
                                                                                                                       ID
lineworkers, substation technicians,
equipment operators, staking technicians,
or other related positions. NLC provides
the most versatile and realistic educational
experience possible, preparing graduates
for advancement roles such as crew
leader, superintendent, safety and training
professional, director, and more.
Thanks to the many opportunities in the
industry, NLC alumni have advanced from
linework to rewarding careers in safety
training, engineering, system operation,
and construction company ownership.
                                                                                                                  ID
The career paths and potential are nearly
limitless for an ambitious individual with
an NLC education.

STATISTICS
According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics3, there are approximately 111,660
electrical lineworkers in the United States
as of May 2017, not including related jobs
or support positions.

                                                                                                                  ID   ID

1. As reported by M.J. Bradley and Associates, https://www.mjbradley.com/about-us/case-studies/powering-america
2. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_221100.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499051.htm

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elp overview

career outlook
Power delivery is a robust, vibrant, growing industry that provides rewarding careers to hundreds of thousands
of individuals. As illustrated below, employment prospects continue to look up for the foreseeable future.

7–10% JOB GROWTH RATE projected between 2018-2028                                  1

+   increased retirements
+   increased customer reliance on electricity
+   increased installation and maintenance of the power grid
+    increased domestic and global initiatives to develop and utilize more clean energy sources

= A STABLE, LONG-TERM CAREER THAT CAN’T BE OUTSOURCED

5% GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT                                 $880 BILLION ELECTRIC                                   384,000+ WORKERS as of may 2019                 3

as of 2017      2
                                                          POWER INDUSTRY as of 2017                 2
                                                                                                                  America’s electric companies pay billions of
In the U.S. economy, the electric power                   Electric power is an $880-billion industry              dollars in tax revenue, employ more than
industry represents 5% of real gross                      that provides a vital service to modern                 384,000 workers, and provide a variety of
domestic product.                                         life. Electricity powers the economy and                public service programs to benefit the local
                                                          enhances everyday life.                                 communities they serve.

                                                                                                                       HOURLY BY PERCENTILE
                                        OCCUPATION                                                      10th       25th       Median        75th         90th
    49-9051 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers                                              $18.37     $25.16      $34.09       $42.30       $48.83

    49-9052 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers                                            $14.88     $18.49      $28.02       $37.41       $44.44
    43-5041 Meter Readers, Utilities                                                                    $11.83     $14.43      $19.40       $26.84       $34.15
    49-2095 Electrical and Electronic Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay 4                    $26.14     $32.44      $38.56       $45.56       $50.51

    47-2073 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 5                            $15.06     $17.90      $22.98       $30.55       $40.46

    49-9081 Wind Turbine Service Technicians                                                            $18.17     $21.36      $26.14       $33.44       $40.17

    49-9097 Signal and Track Switch Repairers                                                           $17.64     $27.66      $33.89       $38.06       $44.11

    49-9098 Helpers-Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers                                       $9.59      $11.43      $14.16       $17.80       $22.42

    51-8099 Plant and System Operators, All Other                                                       $16.63     $21.37      $27.45       $33.55       $39.30
    37-3013 Tree Trimmers and Pruners                                                                   $11.70     $14.57      $18.36       $23.88       $29.48

    47-2111 Electricians                                                                                $15.84     $19.84      $26.53       $34.99       $45.49

    47-2231 Solar Photovoltaic Installers                                                               $14.51     $16.97      $20.52       $25.20       $30.57

    47-3013 Helpers-Electricians                                                                        $10.58     $12.56      $15.10       $18.36       $22.63
    49-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers                              $19.19     $24.72      $31.80       $40.37       $50.01

    53-7021 Crane and Tower Operators                                                                   $15.02     $19.11      $26.03       $34.10       $41.98
    49-2021 Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers                               $15.15     $19.52      $26.39       $33.94       $41.52

Occupation wage data reflects numbers reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018. For more details on the occupations listed above, search the
Occupational Outlook Handbook at: bls.gov/ooh/.
1. U.S. Department of Labor as reported through ONet, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9051.00
2. As reported by M.J. Bradley and Associates, https://www.mjbradley.com/about-us/case-studies/powering-america
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_221100.htm
4. This occupation encompasses the title of Substation Helper.
5. This occupation encompasses the title of Equipment Helper.

                                                                                                                   2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG     21
employment statistics
NLC is proud of its graduates, and prouder still of our strong employment statistics. Quality of education,
employment assistance, and relationships with utility and construction companies (combined with student
determination and persistence in pursuing employment) are the determining factors behind these strong
results. With experience and ambition, advancement opportunities in the power-delivery industry are
abundant. Graduates of NLC have progressed in careers such as these:
• Pre-Apprentice Lineman                      • Substation Technician              • Project Director
• Utility Worker                              • Groundman                          • Safety/Training Director
• Communications Installer                    • Equipment Operator                 • Engineer
• Warehouse Assistant                         • Transmission & Distribution Tech   • System Operator
• Meter Reader                                • Crew Leader                        • Construction Company Owner
• Meter Technician                            • Superintendent                     • Solar Technician

LINEMAN.EDU
Our website at lineman.edu displays
the percentage of students employed
in the trade as a result of the education
they received at NLC. The data combines
averages from the Idaho, California, Texas,
and Florida campuses, all of which share
similar results.

                                                                                                                  FL

22 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
elp overview

safety in power delivery
Unlike today, the electric utility industry was dangerous when it began in the late 1800s. Tools and
procedures were unsophisticated, insulated equipment was not available, and formalized training like the
NLC Electrical Lineworker Program was nonexistent.
Lineworkers did not understand the laws      and educational offerings. They would        It is likened to driving on a congested
of electricity, so accidents were common.    advance through multiyear apprenticeship     freeway in poor weather conditions—safe
Over time, tools and protective equipment    programs, eventually earning Department      drivers slow down and hold their lanes,
evolved, as did methodology.                 of Labor Certification—a recognition that    while unsafe drivers weave in and out of
Training became more formalized in           exists to this day.                          traffic at high speeds.
the late 1930s thanks to the National        Today, all the tools, procedures, and        Ensuring that lineworkers establish
Apprenticeship Act (also known as the        safety gear exist for lineworkers to enjoy   proper safety principles early is the key
”Fitzgerald Act”), which set minimum         a long and rewarding career. As one          to working safely, and NLC’s Electrical
standards for apprenticeship programs; in    example, during the past several years       Lineworker Program is focused on
response, companies began implementing       equipment has been widely adopted            imparting these principles at every
safety rules and procedures. After World     by the trade that ensures linemen are        opportunity. Curriculum includes current
War II, manufacturers began replacing        attached to structures 100% of the           OSHA regulations, as well as industry best
homemade, untested tools with properly       time—in fact, NLC has been contracted        practices and procedures.
manufactured, insulated protective gear.     to certify lineworkers in proper use of      In the lab and field, students are taught
In 1970, the Occupational Safety and         this equipment by several major utility      to identify all components of electrical
Health Administration (OSHA) formed,         companies.                                   systems and the tools needed to safely
significantly improving linework safety.     Like any trade, linework is not without      work on them. When they complete their
By this time, most power companies           risk; however, most accidents are related    training, graduates can leverage the
had founded training centers, rotating       to unsafe behavior (such as taking           important safety values learned in the ELP.
lineworkers through a wide range of safety   shortcuts or unnecessary risks).

                                                                                                                 WORKING SAFELY
                                                                                                  This student is attached to the
                                                                                               pole with a special device called a
                                                                                                          SuperSqueeze®, which
                                                                                                 prevents him from falling in the
                                                                                                              event of a gaff-out.
                                                                                                   The SuperSqueeze is just one
                                                                                              example of safety advancement in
                                                                                             the industry. NLC mandates a 100%
                                                                                               attachment policy for all students
                                                                                                   working in elevated positions.

 ID

                                                                                          2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG   23
a renewable future
Though the “L” in ELP stands for “Lineworker,” the knowledge, skill, and behavior a graduate receives from the
program opens many more doors than one might realize. In fact, a common mistake students make is to place
too much focus on becoming an apprentice lineworker, overlooking thousands of other opportunities that use
the same skillset.

According to the BLS, the average growth rate    According to multiple recent reports, reduced costs and advances in technology have solar energy quickly
for wind turbine service technicians between     becoming America’s fastest growing renewable energy source.
2016 and 2026 is 96%. https://www.bls.gov/
careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/green-
growth.htm?view_full

renewable energy IS                              Renewables create thousands of                        NLC graduates have multiple
                                                 opportunities for occupations such as:
ENHANCING THE electrical GRID                                                                          opportunities for jobs that lead the way
                                                                                                       toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more
Renewable energies such as wind, solar,          • Wind turbine technician                             reliable power grid.
and even battery storage systems are
introducing more sources of generation in        • Solar voltaic installer
all facets of the electrical grid. In addition
to renewability, these enhancements are          • Substation/relay technician
significant in that they increase reliability
of the grid by providing multiple avenues
for power to flow, especially during times
of peak demand. This requires new and
innovative technology, work methods, and
resources to keep everything working in
harmony.

24 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
elp overview

innovating electrical linework
The linework profession has always                 • Unique scheduling methodology and
been closely associated with innovation.             field design that maximizes student
Regularly referred to as “gadgeteers,”               participation and learning outcomes.
lineworkers are responsible for the vast           • Modern smart-grid and transformer-
majority of safety, tool, and equipment              banking labs that provide a safe and
innovations in the power-delivery industry           engaging hands-on learning experience.
during the past 100 years. Students are
encouraged to be innovative in their               • Videos that clarify important safety and
learning, and are regularly challenged by            technical topics (created by NLC’s in-
training specialists to be inquisitive and           house studio, NLC Productions).
problem-solve at every opportunity. NLC            • The OX Block®, which has revolutionized
is known as an institution of innovation; its        rigging and ergonomic safety in
remarkable professionals and educators               linework and related trades.
having designed and developed the                  • Authorship of The American Lineman, a
following:                                           history book celebrating the evolution
• The 15-week ELP, the likes of which had            and importance of one of the nation’s
  never been seen before its 1993 launch.            toughest, most admired professions.
• Three-Phase Educational Model,                   • The Transbanker™ is a transformer
  which maximizes student success by                 training simulator providing a hands-on
  concentrating educational efforts on               way to teach linemen how to correctly
  knowledge, skill, and behavior.                    select, bank, and connect transformers.
• Specialized curriculum used by                     It comes in two forms, a mobile or
  hundreds of power and construction                 stationary lab.
                                                                                                                                                    ID
  companies across the United States.

                                                                                                                                                    ID

                                                           ID                                                                                       ID
                                                                                                                                                    ID

Retired SVP of Research & Development Alan Drew authored          Top: The TransBanker™ from NLC Manufacturing.
The American Lineman.                                             Bottom: A student builds an electrical system model for a group project.

                                                                                                       2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG    25
TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
NLC promotes safety, productivity, and camaraderie, helping prepare students for success.
Students are engaged equally in classroom      This is achieved by creating a positive      positive culture that students experience
and field learning activities each day of      learning environment where students          creates a lasting impression they carry
the school week (Mon–Thu). Classes are         are challenged, encouraged, and held         throughout their long and rewarding
not typically in session Fridays; this time    accountable. Students are placed in crews    careers.
is reserved for preparation and study. In      where camaraderie and teamwork are           NLC graduates become lineworkers, crew
order to maintain a high-quality training      emphasized daily.                            leaders, safety and training professionals,
environment, faculty-to-student ratios are     Exemplifying the best practices and          supervisors, directors, even presidents.
kept to a maximum of 16:1 in the field and     expectations of trade professionals, NLC     Because knowing which students will
76:1 in the classroom across all campuses.     training specialists use their experience    become presidents is impossible, training
Because of the procedural nature of            and adult-education training to facilitate   is conducted as if they all will.
linework and the strict adherence to safety    practical and beneficial learning
rules it requires, NLC has established rules   experiences for each student. The forming
and procedures that train students to          of lifelong friendships among classmates
operate successfully in the profession.        and instructors is commonplace. The

                                                                                                                                   CA

26 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
elp overview

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met for a student to earn an ELP Certificate of Completion.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
70% or higher in each academic class.

FIELD COMPETENCIES
& CERTIFICATIONS
All field competencies and certifications
achieved before the start of the last week
of class.

PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR
Minimum score of 25 in ELP 10070, and no
behaviors marked as “Unacceptable” on
final review.

CLASS A CDL/CLP
IDAHO
Class A commercial driver's license (CDL)
with air brakes endorsement.

CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, TEXAS
Commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

ATTENDANCE
No more than five absences.
                                                                                                                        ID

                                                                                                                        ID

                                                                           2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG    27
elp program information
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE                                                               COURSE                                  LECTURE
                                                                                                                         HOURS
                                                                                                                                   LAB
                                                                                                                                  HOURS
                                                                                                                                          CLOCK
                                                                                                                                          HOURS
                                                                                                                                                     PROGRAM
                                                                                                                                                       WEEK
NLC‘s Electrical Lineworker Program
objective is to provide the training                ELP 10010    Electrical Grid I                                        18        4      22       2–5 + final

and education needed to ensure that                 ELP 10020    Rigging                                                  18        4      22       2–5 + final
graduates are:                                      ELP 10030    Electrical Grid II                                       14        6      20       6–8 + final
• Highly qualified for initial employment.          ELP 10040    Working on Lines and Equipment                           14        7      21       6–8 + final
• Highly successful in completing future            ELP 10050    Transformers                                             18       19      37       9–12 + final
  training programs.                                ELP 10060    Career Planning and Strategies                           18        8      26       9–12 + final
• Prepared to pursue a long, rewarding              ELP 10070    Behavior Assessment                                      5        15      20          1–15
  career.
                                                    ELP 10080    Climbing I Competencies                                   -       24      24           2–5

                                                    ELP 10090    Equipment I Competencies                                  -       18      18           2–5

COURSE OUTLINE                                      ELP 10100    Distribution I Competencies                               -       24      24           2–5

PROGRAM LENGTH                                      ELP 10110    Underground I Competencies                                -       24      24           2–5
Fifteen weeks of full-time enrollment,              ELP 10120    Climbing II Competencies                                  -       24      24           6–8
totaling 484 clock hours (50 minutes of             ELP 10130    Equipment II Competencies                                 -       24      24          6–14
instruction per clock hour).
                                                    ELP 10140    Distribution II Competencies                              -       48      48          6-14

                                                    ELP 10150    Transmission I Competencies                               -       18      18           6–8
DAILY SCHEDULE
Class and field training are in session             ELP 10160    Pre-employment Competencies                               -        5       5          2–14
Monday through Thursday (occasionally               ELP 10170    Groundman Competencies                                    -       15      15          2–14
Friday) 8:00 am−4:30 pm. Included in this
                                                    ELP 10190    Climbing Certification                                    *        *       *            *
time frame are two 15-minute breaks (one
morning, one afternoon) and a 30-minute             ELP 12000    OSHA 10-Hour ET&D                                        13        -      13         13–14
lunch break. Online lectures are scheduled          ELP 10210    First Aid Certification                                   -        4       4            1
Monday through Thursday 7:00 am−6:00                ELP 10220    CPR Certification                                         -        4       4            1
pm. NLC reserves the right to adjust
the daily scheduled course hours (8:00              ELP 10230    Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)1                        -        4       4          1–15

am−4:30 pm) as deemed necessary by                  ELP 10240    Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)2                -        4       4          1–15
NLC staff.                                          ELP 10250    Pole-Top Rescue Certification                             -        4       4          6–12

COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM                             ELP 10260    Enclosed-Space Rescue Certification                       -        2       2           2–5
Course numbers consist of a three-                  ELP 10270    Aerial-Lift Rescue Certification                          -        2       2          6–12
character prefix followed by a five-digit
                                                    ELP 10280    Metering Certification                                   4         3       7          9–12
number sequence. The prefix represents
the program (ELP). The number sequence              ELP 10340    Transmission II Competencies                              -       24      24          9–14
is broken into three parts: the first number        ELP 10350    Climbing III Competencies                                 -       24      24          9–14
is an internal classification code; the second
                                                    ELP 11570    Digger Derrick Safety                                    **       **      **           **
part includes three digits, which represent
the section of curriculum; and the third                                                                      TOTALS:     122      362     480       15 Weeks
part is the final digit, which indicates the
apprentice level of the course.
                                                 *Students must successfully complete ELP 10080, ELP 10120, and ELP 10350 to earn this certification;
                                                 all hours are listed with respective course descriptions.

                                                 ** Students must demonstrate proficiency in ELP 10090 Equipment I Competencies and ELP 10130
                                                 Equipment II Competencies and pass the written examination to complete this course. Associated hours
                                                 are listed under ELP 10090 and ELP 10130.

                                                 1. Required for California, Florida, and Texas. Course is a prerequisite for ELP 10240, if student earns ELP
Northwest Lineman College is accredited by       10240; that course will show on the transcript in lieu of ELP 10230.
the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools
and Colleges.                                    2. Required for Idaho; if earned by students in California, Florida, or Texas it will replace ELP 10230 on their
                                                 transcript.
ACCSC is a recognized accrediting agency by
the U.S. Department of Education.

28 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
elp overview

course descriptions
To ensure a well-rounded education, students are required to complete all courses detailed in this section.
The following descriptions provide a basic overview of the fundamentals of each course. If you have any
questions, please contact NLC for further information.

    knowledge phase
ELP 10010                                    ELP 10050                                    ELP 12000
ELECTRICAL GRID I                            TRANSFORMERS                                 OSHA 10-HOUR ET&D
As a foundational concept, this course       Classroom lectures and activities in the     This course is delivered by an authorized
encompasses basic electricity and the        transformer lab focus on installation and    Occupational Safety and Health
elements of the electrical grid. Materials   operation of distribution transformers,      Administration (OSHA) Outreach trainer
cover electrical quantities and Ohm’s        including theory and primary/secondary       and follows the OSHA 10 Electrical
law (and their roles in the grid) as well    connections of single-phase and three-       Transmission and Distribution (ET&D)
as electrical generation methods and         phase transformer banks. Students learn      format. Students will learn about the OSH
components associated with transmission,     to identify system voltage, nameplate        Act, OSHA’s mission, and the regulations
subtransmission, and distribution systems    voltage ratings, and customer voltage        that are most applicable to linework
                                             needed to properly install transformers      crews. Emphasis is also given to OSHA’s
                                             and transformer banks.                       Focus Four hazards. Each successful
ELP 10020                                                                                 participant will earn an OSHA Electrical
RIGGING                                                                                   Transmission and Distribution 10-hour
Curriculum and classroom activities          ELP 10060                                    card. Certification provided by OSHA and
teach students about fall protection         CAREER PLANNING and STRATEGIES               the ET&D partnership.
and tensions associated with rigging         NLC’s heaviest weighted course teaches
commonly used on job sites. Proper           students to identify power companies
application of knots and the effects they    and their respective structures, establish
have on ropes are discussed in detail.       contact with potential employers, create
Mechanical advantage gained with parted      and submit a résumé and cover letter,
blocks, tensions with snatch blocks,         effectively participate in an interview,
and work safety around mechanical            and identify various employment
equipment are also covered.                  opportunities and career paths. The
                                             ultimate objective is to empower students
                                             to be the most competitive employment
ELP 10030                                    candidates in the industry.
ELECTRICAL GRID II
Theories covered in Electrical Grid I are
carried further, including how electrical
quantities behave in series and parallel
circuits, a detailed dive into three-phase
power, and an introduction to currently
trending smart-grid concepts and
practices.

ELP 10040
WORKING ON LINES and EQUIPMENT
This course covers the two main methods
of working on lines and equipment—
energized and de-energized—with
primary focus on the latter, including
isolation of energy sources, lockout-
tagout, and personal protective
grounding. Instruction on tools and
equipment used to perform energized
work and discussion of related work
methods are also covered.
                                                                                          NLC California campus.
                                                                                                                                       CA

                                                                                          2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG        29
course descriptions (continued)
    skill phase
ELP 10080                                    ELP 10140                                      ELP 10210
CLIMBING I COMPETENCIES                      DISTRIBUTION II COMPETENCIES                   FIRST AID CERTIFICATION
Students learn to use climbing gear and      Students perform common tasks                  Successful completion of this course
proper techniques for working from           associated with working on distribution        results in a nationally recognized first
wood poles. Ascending, descending, and       structures, with primary focus on use of       aid certification. Students learn to safely
rotating at lower elevations are central     materials and tools working from pole-top.     perform as a competent first responder in
themes.                                                                                     an environment that requires use of basic
                                                                                            first aid. Idaho campus: Coyne First Aid;
                                             ELP 10150                                      California campus: Medic First Aid; Texas
ELP 10090                                    TRANSMISSION I COMPETENCIES                    campus: Medic First Aid; Florida campus:
EQUIPMENT I COMPETENCIES                     Students learn climbing and maneuvering        American Red Cross.
Activities familiarize students with truck   from different work positions on wood-
setup, work-site protection, equipment       pole transmission structures. Various          Class is held in an online blended format.
operation, boom operation and hand           methods of fall protection are introduced.
signals.                                                                                    ELP 10220
                                             ELP 10160                                      CPR CERTIFICATION
ELP 10100                                    PRE-EMPLOYMENT COMPETENCIES                    Successful completion of this course
DISTRIBUTION I COMPETENCIES                  Training activities are designed to improve    results in a nationally recognized
Activities familiarizes students with        hand/eye coordination, physical stamina,       cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
materials and tools associated with          and core strength. Students must safely        certification. Students learn to safely
distribution systems; students use these     demonstrate fluent ability in various trade-   perform as a competent first responder
items to complete common tasks related       related tasks that prepare them for the        in an environment that requires use of
to distribution system construction.         physical requirements of pre-employment        basic CPR. Idaho campus: Coyne First Aid;
                                             performance tests.                             California campus: Coyne First Aid; Texas
                                                                                            campus: Medic First Aid; Florida campus:
ELP 10110                                                                                   American Red Cross. Class is held in an online
UNDERGROUND COMPETENCIES                     ELP 10170                                      blended format.
Tools and materials associated with          GROUNDMAN COMPETENCIES
underground residential distribution
systems are covered, focusing mainly
                                             Linecrew support activities. Students learn
                                             to safely perform various trade-related
                                                                                            ELP 10230
on common URD terminations for both          tasks that prepare them for linecrew           COMMERCIAL LEARNER’S PERMIT
primary and secondary systems.               support, and must demonstrate a fluent         Students who do not possess a current
                                             level of ability in each.                      Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
                                                                                            prior to attending NLC must obtain a
ELP 10120                                                                                   commercial learner’s permit (CLP) prior to
CLIMBING II COMPETENCIES                     ELP 10190                                      graduation. (Required for California, Florida,
Positioning and climbing techniques are      CLIMBING CERTIFICATION                         and Texas. Course is a prerequisite for ELP
refined as students ascend, descend, and     This NLC certification—earned upon             10240; if student earns ELP 10240 that course
rotate at higher elevations, enhancing       completion of ELP 10080, 10120, and 10350      will show on the transcript in lieu of ELP
pole-top work skills.                        (in compliance with NLC certification          10230.)
                                             requirements and applicable OSHA

ELP 10130
                                             regulations)—is reflected on graduate
                                             transcripts and certification cards.
                                                                                            ELP 10240
EQUIPMENT II COMPETENCIES                                                                   CLASS A CDL
This field course provides advanced                                                         Students who do not possess a current
instruction on digger-derrick operation—                                                    Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
including load lifting, hole excavation                                                     prior to attending NLC must obtain one
(using the auger), and setting poles—with                                                   prior to graduation. (Required for Idaho.
an emphasis on hand signals and safety                                                      If earned by students in California, Florida,
around suspended loads.                                                                     or Texas, it will replace ELP 10230 on their
                                                                                            transcript.)

30 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
elp overview

                                                                                                  behavior phase
ELP 10250                                      ELP 10350                                      ELP 10070
POLE-TOP RESCUE CERTIFICATION                  CLIMBING III COMPETENCIES                      BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT
Students learn to safely perform pole-top      Climbing and work positioning are further      Discussion, demonstration, and display
rescue activities, and must complete the       refined in this final segment of climbing      of behaviors essential to the success of
Pole-Top Rescue competency. Certification      instruction, during which students             entry-level lineworkers. Instruction and
provided by NLC.                               perform work-related tasks at pole-top.        assessment occur in classroom and field
                                               Workmanship plays a significant role,          environments. Students learn the levels
                                               paving the way for successful completion       of general attitude, responsibility, and
ELP 10260                                      of other program certifications.               motivation required of lineworkers, and
ENCLOSED-SPACE RESCUE                                                                         how to project themselves in a positive,
CERTIFICATION                                                                                 professional manner using verbal and
Hazards associated with working in             ELP 11570                                      nonverbal skills.
enclosed spaces are outlined, along with       Digger Derrick SAFETY
discussion of OSHA requirements for            In this course, students learn the necessary
enclosed-space attendants. Students are        behaviors, knowledge, and skills to safely
required to demonstrate proper vault-          work on and around digger derricks in
rescue procedure. Certification provided       utility construction sites. Topics include
by NLC.                                        work-site protection, truck setup,
                                               underground facilities, lifting capacities,
                                               and sling tensions. To pass this course,
ELP 10270                                      students must also pass ELP 10090, ELP
AERIAL-LIFT RESCUE CERTIFICATION               10130, and a written examination.
Students learn to safely perform aerial        Class is held in an online blended format.
rescue activities, and must complete
the Aerial Lift Rescue competency.
Certification provided by NLC.

ELP 10280
METERING CERTIFICATION
Combining classroom lecture with specific
meter-related tasks, this class utilizes the
transformer lab. The primary focus is on
safe installation and removal of meters.
Class is held in an online blended format.

ELP 10340
TRANSMISSION II COMPETENCIES
Students apply knowledge and skills
learned in the program to perform
common maintenance tasks on
transmission structures. Necessary rigging
skills and proper use of fall protection
systems are taught, in addition to climbing
and navigating steel structures.

                                               NLC Idaho campus.

                                                                                              2021 ELECTRICAL LINEWORKER PROGRAM CATALOG   31
OPTIONAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
These courses are not considered part of ELP curriculum, and are not required for graduation.
Highly valued in certain facets of the power-delivery industry, these courses are for students who desire a focused experience in specific
disciplines. Because not all utility and line-construction companies require that their workforce obtain these certifications, they are
offered as optional courses. Classes may be scheduled after hours and on weekends, so students interested in enrolling should remain
flexible. While noted on a student’s transcript, these courses do not affect GPA. Every effort is made to accommodate all who wish to
enroll; however, enrollment is limited.

ELP 10300                                                                                       ELP 10330
SMART GRID and ELECTRICAL                       CRANE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION                    APPLIED MATHEMATICS
DEVICES CERTIFICATION                           In the power-delivery industry, large-          Applied Mathematics has been specially
With significant advancements in smart-         line construction companies use cranes          developed for students to refresh or
grid technology, power companies are            to install towers, substation equipment,        refine the math skills needed to pass
integrating “smart” electrical devices into     and large wood-pole structures. For this        industry-standard entrance exams. This
their systems. The Smart Grid & Electrical      reason, many construction companies             optional course starts out reviewing basic
Devices Certification course introduces         place a high value on crane certification       arithmetic and gradually incorporates
students to many of the smart devices           when recruiting. This course is an              algebraic material. Though geared
being used today. Unavailable anywhere          accelerated test-preparation course.            toward improving basic math skills,
else, this certification is valued by large     Students who pass the written and               many graduates report that it not only
utilities, and helps NLC graduates stand out.   practical exams receive nationally              helped them in passing employment
                                                recognized certification* to operate all        entrance exams, but also in meeting
In this class, students take theories                                                           the college-level math requirements
                                                swing- and fixed-cab telescopic boom
learned in the Electrical Grid courses and                                                      of various power and construction
                                                cranes (valid five years).
put them into practice in NLC's specially
                                                                                                companies.
designed smart-grid electrical equipment        Tuition includes a nonrefundable amount
lab. Using simulated energized lines,           of $175 paid to the certification agency,
students are trained to operate the latest      as well as all required course materials.       CONTENTS:
technologically advanced equipment,             Additional expenses may be incurred as          Decimals
such as IntelliRupters, Scada-Mate              follows: $50 late registration fee; $65–$165
switches, TripSavers, NOVA reclosers,           retest fees for written exams (dependent        Percentages
SMART capacitor banks and regulators,           upon which and how many); $175 re-              Fractions
and more. Students also learn operation         registration fee (if student no-shows).
                                                                                                Equations and Inequalities
of older “legacy” equipment, deepening          COST: $1,895
their appreciation for the benefits these                                                       Positive Integer Exponents
                                                TRAINING HOURS: 32
new smart devices provide.                                                                      Variables
COST: $1,895                                    See campus-specific policies for refund         Algebraic Expressions
TRAINING HOURS: 32                              information.
                                                                                                Word Problems
                                                Certification provided by NCCCO.
See campus-specific policies for refund
information.                                                                                    COST: $250
                                                                                                HOURS OF INSTRUCTION: 39

                                                                                                See campus-specific policies for refund
                                                                                                information.

                                                                                                 Optional courses are not under the purview
                                                                                                 of the Florida Department of Education
                                                                                                 Commission for Independent Education or the
                                                                                                 Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
                                                                                                 Colleges. They are not required for program
                                                                                                 completion and do not count toward Electrical
                                                                                                 Lineworker Program hours.

32 NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
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