Rocky Mountain Lineman School

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Student Guide to Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning Information 

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Trinidad State Junior College is fortunate to have partnerships with industry in not just Las Animas County but also in El Paso County.

In cooperation with Pikes Peak Community College and the Colorado Springs Utilities Department, the Rocky Mountain Lineman School  serves the El Paso County Region.

The program offers both certificate and associate degree options.

Over 40,000 jobs in this field are expected to open in the next five years as the “Baby Boom” generation retires.

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Sites of Interest:

- Colorado Rural Electric Association 

 

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  Thank you for your interest in the Colorado Springs Rocky Mountain Linemen School. Please see the mandatory schedule below for enrollment and acceptance requirements

• Must have applied for admission to Trinidad State Junior College
• Colorado residents must have applied for the College Opportunity Fund (COF)
• Must have applied for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or have the financial abilities to order and purchase a toolkit
• Possess a valid driver’s license and must have applied for an earned CDL permit – Class A
• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination
• Pass a background check (please go to www.healthcareex.com for the background check and select package 4: FBI Fingerprint Record Check).
• Complete a registration data sheet

Class enrollment is limited to 25 seats. Students who fail to meet the requirements will not be placed in the upcoming semester. Please send copies of the CDL permit, physical examination, and background check materials to:
Attention:
Nicole Janssen
Admissions Counselor
719-846-5545
Trinidad State Junior College
600 Prospect St. Campus Box 331
Trinidad, CO 81082
or
Lynette Bates
Student Services Office
Trinidad State Junior College
600 Prospect St. Campus Box 331
Trinidad, CO 81082

Fall 2009 Enrollment is full but alternate spots are available

Students filling alternate spots will be placed in the class if a person cancels or will be first in line for Spring 2010

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Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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Frequently asked questions

I hear that Colorado Springs Utilities are paying for all costs

I understand that you are guaranteed job placement with Colorado Springs Utilities upon completion of program

What are the hours of instruction? Why don’t you offer evening and weekend classes?

What is the difference between acceptance for admissions and enrollment in class?

Will you promise/guarantee me a spot in next semester’s class?

How can I pay for the toolkit prior to classes beginning when you cannot guarantee a spot in the program?

Why won’t you let me order the toolkit and I will figure out a way to pay you for it later?

What is the cheapest housing available?

Why do you not have childcare available so that I can enroll in this program?

Why don’t you place us in jobs after we complete the program?

Do you have loans available?

What does a lineman do and what does a day at work look like?

What can a lineman expect to get paid?

How long does it take to become a lineman and what is involved?

Is there a lot of travel associated with the trade?

Do all linemen have to be able to climb and work off of poles?

Do you need to be in good physical condition to be a lineman?

What is required of me to enroll in the school?

Where would I live during school?

What would I learn at the RMLS in one semester and would I get a certificate?

What books or equipment would I need and what does it cost.

When and where will classes be held?

Would RMLS help place me after completing the training?

What does it cost to attend the RMLS and are there grants available?

What would a day at this school look like?

What additional training would I need to become a lineman?

Why do you need my immunization records and high school transcripts?

 

I hear that Colorado Springs Utilities are paying for all costs?

Colorado Springs Utilities is not covering student costs, students are responsible for instructional, supplies and book costs. There is financial aid available for students that qualify. The free application for financial aid could be accessed at: http://www.trinidadstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=194

For any financial aid questions please contact the office of financial aid at 1-800-621-8752 extensions 5555 or 5553

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I understand that you are guaranteed job placement with Colorado Springs Utilities upon completion of program?

Colorado Springs Utilities as well as Trinidad State Junior College will work hard to place students; however, no guarantees could be made. The idea is to place all graduates in-state, however, not necessarily with one company.

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What are the hours of instruction? Why don’t you offer evening and weekend classes?

As Trinidad State Junior College and Colorado Springs Utilities are piloting this program the recommended schedule is weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:pm. In the future once the program is up and running strong the possibility of additional instruction could be considered.

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What is the difference between acceptance for admissions and enrollment in class?

The admissions application is the process to apply at Trinidad State Junior College; enrollment is registering for the Rocky Mountain School program.

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Will you promise/guarantee me a spot in next semester’s class?

The College will be accepting 25 applicants for the Spring Semester class list, it is highly recommended to have your financial aid application complete and all other pertinent paper work accurately completed with the College to ensure a spot on the next roster.

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How can I pay for the toolkit prior to classes beginning when you cannot guarantee a spot in the program?

Once you have been accepted into the program you will need to be measured and order your toolkit.   

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Why won’t you let me order the toolkit and I will figure out a way to pay you for it later?

The toolkit includes boot and belt sized only for the student making the purchase, it would be almost impossible for the college to re-sale the kit, as this is an extremely expensive investment, this process helps to identify those students willing to make the necessary arrangements to get into the program.

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Where is the cheapest housing available?

Housing in Colorado Springs is not an accommodation that the College has been able to secure to accommodate students enrolling in the program.

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Why do you not have childcare available so that I can enroll in this program?

The Colorado Springs Rocky Mountain Lineman School, it is new branch of Trinidad State Junior College. Thus, these services are not available.

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Why don’t you place us in jobs after we complete the program?

TSJC as well as Colorado Springs Utilities will exhaust every opportunity to place students; however, it cannot be a guarantee. The effort of recommendation in working with the advisory board will open doors to place students so long as the student has successfully completed the program.

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Do you have loans available?

Once the student has completed the financial aid application, loans are available based on eligibility and need.

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What does a lineman do and what does a day at work look like?

Linemen do a very wide variety of tasks.  They do everything involved with constructing and maintaining overhead and underground electrical systems that deliver power to their customers.  This includes standing poles and installing cross arms and insulators, pulling and sagging wire, setting transformers, installing vaults and setting meters.  These are only a few of the larger tasks they perform.  The typical day is eight to ten hours but during emergencies their days can be as long as sixteen hours straight.   During outages linemen typically work this type of schedule for several days.  They work in all sorts of weather and at all hours of the day and night during emergencies.  It is common to work on the ground as well as climbing poles and often accomplish their work out of a bucket truck.  The job of a lineman is very exciting as well as rewarding.

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What can a lineman expect to get paid?

$60,000 to $80,000 is not uncommon for journey level linemen.  If you include overtime linemen can often make over $100,000/year once fully trained.

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How long does it take to become a lineman and what is involved?

To have a shot at being hired into a lineman apprenticeship program we recommend you enroll in the new Rocky Mountain Lineman School to get a pre-apprenticeship certificate.  This program lasts 1 semester for a total of 15 weeks or 500 hours.  This certificate proves to potential employers that you have what it takes and it gives you a real feel for the line of work.  After completing this training you would be eligible to be hired by an Electric Utility Company and enter their formal apprenticeship training which typical takes 3 to 4 years to achieve journey level status.  This is a comprehensive program that allows you to be recognized in the industry and very marketable for the future. Total, the overall time is about 4 ½ years.

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Is there a lot of travel associated with the trade?

Typically if you work for a contractor or some rural electric company there can be a lot of travel associated with getting to your job.  If you work in an urban environment more like Colorado Springs or Denver there is less travel as most work is within the City limits. 

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Do all linemen have to be able to climb and work off of poles?

Linemen do need to be able to climb and work off poles.  While more electric is being placed underground these days there are no systems that are 100% underground.  Most Rural and Urban electric and Transmission work is done either off of poles or out of bucket trucks. Climbing is an important part of the trade.

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Do you need to be in good physical condition to be a lineman?

Absolutely.  The work is very challenging both mentally as well as physically.  If you are in reasonably good condition you should be able to adapt to the work.

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What is required of me to enroll in the school?

1. Must be at least 18 years of age at beginning date of enrollment.
2. Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED.
3. Must pass a Department of Transportation physical examination and have the physician sign the RMLS Doctors release form.
4. Must possess a valid driver’s license from the state in which you reside.

To be placed on the class roster and confirm your enrollment, you must submit the following:
1. Signed Student Enrollment Agreement.
2. Doctors release form and proof of passing the DOT physical.
3. Provide an official copy of your high school transcripts or your GED certificate.
4. Submit a photocopy of your valid driver’s license.
5. Upon submitting the above items, acceptance can be immediate.  Notification will be sent within two weeks or you will be notified by phone.

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Where would I live during school?

You will be responsible for your living arrangements. Hopefully in the future we will be able to offer you assistance with this.  Colorado Springs has many apartments and motels where short term living is available.

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What would I learn at the RMLS in one semester and would I get a certificate?

Career Math – On-line with tutoring.  Power Theory and High Voltage Apparatus – lecture.  Safety and Industry Certifications – lecture and lab.  Underground Power Systems – lecture & field training.  Overhead Power Systems – lecture & field training.    To include pre-employment certifications and CDL licensing. This will provide students the necessary related training ( basic skills and knowledge) needed to productively work on electrical power systems as a newly indentured apprentice. 

Yes you would get an Electrical Line Worker Certificate from an accredited program upon completion.

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What books or equipment would I need and what does it cost.

Electrical theory & math texts and workbooks, APPA safety manual & the lineman’s tool kit. Total expense is approximately $2,035.00. 

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When and where will classes be held?

The classes will be held Monday through Thursday (Friday by appointment) at 1210 South Hancock Expressway across from Colorado Springs Utilities Leon Young Service Center.  The pole yard and electric equipment training lab are located at this address also.

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Would RMLS help place me after completing the training?

Yes.  In addition career development will be offered by the school on resume writing and interviewing skills.  Regional employer contacts and employment opening advertisements will be made available. School performance ratings will also be available if recommendations are requested.

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What does it cost to attend the RMLS and are there grants available?

Colorado resident - $4,586.15 & nonresident - $6,702.15. These numbers reflect the totals for all college and external costs but does not account for living expenses. This is very competitive with similar schools across the nation.

Financial aid and assistance through TSJC will be individually applied for.  Some options will be reviewed and available due to varying program requirements and eligibility. 

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What would a day at this school look like?

Mornings (4 hrs.) – 1st block is Theory or Math (rotation). 2nd block is Safety & Certification training. 3rd block is task & project briefing & preparation for daily field assignment. Afternoons (4 hrs.) – Overhead or Underground Power System skills training & review. 

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What additional training would I need to become a lineman?

A traditional 3-5 year (employer specific) apprenticeship program.   Successful program completion is required to attain journey level status.

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Why do you need my immunization records and high school transcripts?

High transcripts are required because on November 5, 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, Public Law 101-508, (OBRA) was enacted.  Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), requires that students requesting financial aid show the ability to benefit by passing an independently administered examination approved by the Secretary of Education, if they are to receive any form of financial aid.  Non-high school graduates are strongly urged to take the General Education Development (GED) Test and earn a high school equivalency certificate since the State Department of Education and potential employers recognize this certificate. 

Colorado law requires college students born since January 1, 1957 to be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella.  All students must show proof of immunity if they attend a college or university. For all public or nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions in Colorado, the state law also requires each incoming freshman student residing in student housing to provide proof of immunity for the Meningococcal disease.

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