Steps to become a lineman at Hawaiian Electric
by Robert Yang | July 10, 2024
Kawehi Sablan hasn’t been a lineman for long but he already has a veteran’s perspective on the job.
“This career isn’t for everyone. You need to have a good work ethic, thick skin and enjoy challenges if you want to succeed,” says Sablan, who recently graduated from Hawaiian Electric’s lineman apprenticeship program in April 2024.
Today, July 10, is National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Most customers view our linemen as local heroes decked in yellow. You may typically see them in your neighborhood working on the power lines high above. It’s a rewarding career that can also be incredibly dangerous, which is the reason why a lot of training and education is needed.
To become a lineman, the first step may be to enroll in our apprenticeship program, which can be found posted on our Careers website at times. This opportunity to become a lineman apprentice is highly desirable and not always available so be sure to check to see it’s posted from time to time if you’re interested in applying. The basic requirements to enroll is a high school diploma or GED, a valid Hawaii driver’s license and to be at least 18 years old. To be accepted into the program, you’ll need to pass an interview, an aptitude test and a job sample test.
Our lineman apprenticeship program is unique. We pay apprentices for their education and training during their time in the program and cover costs for any material and/or equipment. When you’re accepted into the program, you’re already considered as an employee. In other states, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship on your own dime before being able to apply for a lineman position at a utility. Essentially, you’re paid while you learn as a lineman apprentice at Hawaiian Electric.
We train our linemen using the same resources as Northwest Lineman College, a top-tier and recognized educational institution in our industry. You will start as a “Senior Helper” and will be required to complete 6,000 combined hours of hands-on and on-the-job work experience. In addition, you’ll also need to complete 750 hours of classroom training. Afterwards, you’ll graduate and be promoted to a lineman.
The program takes a novice through four different “processes.” Each process qualifies you to do certain types of electrical work. Process 1 teaches you how to climb and use your equipment and tools. Process 2 qualifies you to do “hot” (or energized) low voltage work, which is more commonly done for homes and businesses. Process 3 will qualify you to work on hot primary and secondary lines, which can go up to 12,000 volts. Those are the lines you see on top of utility poles. Process 4 focuses on transmission lines, which are found in the mountains and those go up to 138,000 volts. You can expect the lines to stay hot during training.
Our linemen are trained to work hot lines using rubber glove techniques. Most times, the power lines are kept energized so customers do not experience a disruption. Linemen can get the job done using protective rubber gloves that are rated to keep them safe from certain high voltages. Transmission lines are usually de-energized before they are worked on due to their lethal nature. “My next step after graduating is focusing on being better at my job. This career is extremely challenging and there’s always new things to learn. If you think you know everything, you will be quickly humbled,” says Kawehi.
I know our employees including myself want to thank our linemen and other frontline workers because we know they make a lot of sacrifices to keep the lights on, especially during emergencies. Not only do they put themselves in danger, but they also miss time with their family during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more. Please be sure to thank your local lineman and let them know they are appreciated!
Robert Yang is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
