As utility companies are dealing with a lineworker shortage, Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville is launching a new electrical line worker program.
Labor statistics predict an 8.5% increase in lineman jobs by 2026, with an estimated 21,500 job openings in 2024 alone.
Careers in the electrical lineworker field are becoming increasingly vital in Florida.
Zach Taylor, a 25-year veteran, who’s leading instruction for Tulsa’s lineworker program, spoke to News4JAX about the demand. He said it’s important that people understand that lineworkers are first responders. During significant power outages and extreme weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes, linemen play a critical role in maintaining and restoring power.
Jacksonville’s Tulsa Welding School is launching a 15-week lineworker program on Oct. 14 to help combat the shortage. The program equips students with hands-on skills for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power lines.
The program also provides students with certifications in pole climbing, overhead and underground construction, system design and operation, national electric safety code, AC and DC circuits and electric power, preparing students for environments, scenarios and safety standards they may encounter in the industry.
According to the Tulsa Welding School website, the program can be completed in as little as 15 weeks and students have the opportunity to earn 8 valuable certifications:
- Bucket Rescue (Aerial Lift Rescue)
- Pole Top Rescue
- First Aid
- CPR
- Climbing
- OSHA-10 Safety
- Digger Derrick
- Chainsaw Safety & Maintenance
- NSC Flagger (Dallas Metro Only)
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