Lineman Skills
When thinking about lineman skills some essential things to keep in mind is that a lineman must have an understanding of electrical and power equipment and knowledge of electrical currents, voltage and resistance. Linemen also need to possess strong problem-solving skills, particularly when assessing power cables for repair or replacement or troubleshooting defective equipment.
Skills for a lineman
Whether you're considering a career as a lineman or you want to improve your job performance, here are some hard and soft skills you can use in a career as a lineman:
Hard skills for a lineman
Below is a list of hard skills linemen can use on the job:
- Physical strength: A lineman can climb to reach electrical lines as you haul heavy gear, so physical strength can help you perform your duties as a lineman.
- Comfort at heights: Linemen work from 100 or more feet in the air to service electrical lines, so comfort at heights is an asset to aspiring linemen.
- Math skills: You can use math skills to pass an apprenticeship aptitude test and to solve everyday problems you face on the job as a lineman.
- Reading skills: Linemen can use reading skills to interpret wiring diagrams. You can also use reading skills to pass a lineman apprenticeship test.
- Tree trimming: A lineman can trim branches away from power lines to prevent electrical outages or injuries, so experience with landscaping equipment is a plus.
- Equipment maintenance: Linemen can care for their equipment with regular maintenance to ensure it's ready for use.
- Project management: A lineman can use project management skills to develop and oversee large installation projects.
Soft skills for a lineman
Here are some soft skills that linemen can use in their careers:
- Critical thinking: Linemen can work with electricity in dangerous conditions like rain or snow. Critical thinking can prevent accidents during these situations.
- Time management: Deadlines are common in the lineman profession. Time management can help you meet deadlines.
- Detail orientation: Being detail-oriented can help you learn the complicated electrical knowledge needed in your apprenticeship and apply it to your lineman duties.
- Independence: A journeyman lineman can work without supervision, so independence can help you thrive in this career.