Certified Line Worker Training

The Certified Line Worker Training Program will provide the necessary foundation for you to begin your line worker career as a helper/apprentice for an electric utility company.

Download a program brochure.

For more information, call (504) 762-3093 or email jwade@dcc.edu.

  • Offered at two locations
    • Delgado Community College in New Orleans - 25 weeks
    • Fletcher Technical College in Schriever - 16 weeks
  • Financial aid may be available to those who qualify
  • Graduates will:
    • Obtain NCCER Certification
    • Be qualified for employment as a line helper
    • Receive job placement assistance

Line Helper/Apprentice

What will you do?

  • Provide assistance to line crew by providing tools and equipment
  • Make work area safe
  • Drive equipment to job site

What skills do you need?

  • Teamwork
  • Be comfortable with heights
  • Able to drive heavy commercial vehicles
  • Listen and follow directions
  • Come to work on time

Line Worker

What will you do?

  • Alternating Current / Direct Current
  • Climb Poles
  • String Cable
  • Install transformers and other pole top equipment
  • Identify defective devices such as fuses, switches, and wires
  • Lay underground cable
  • Inspect and test power lines

What skills do you need?

  • Apply knowledge learned during training to work environment
  • Define how the various parts of the distribution system interact and diagnose how any changes or malfunctions in its parts will affect the system
  • Solve problems involving limited options by applying common sense understanding such as selecting the correct cutting tool or proper size wire for a job
  • Listen to and understand customers' needs
  • Understand mechanical relationships in practical situations such as understanding leverage, how pulleys work and the direction gear arrangements turn
  • Visualize length, width, thickness, height or depth and the  differences among shapes, widths or lengths 

Crew Lead/Senior Line Worker

What will you do?

  • Supervise crew members
  • Determine schedules and work activities
  • Check for unsafe work conditions
  • Communicate with customers

What skills do you need?

  • Handle customer concerns and issues
  • Assign priority or sequence to the steps for completing a job
  • Coordinate several competing activities for efficient use of  time and materials
  • Adapt work procedures or priorities in response to changing or unforeseen requirements or conditions

Crew Lead/Senior Line Worker

What will you do?

  • Schedule and oversee work of line crews
  • Review crew member performance and provide feedback

What skills do you need?

  • Financial management
  • Computer skills for report preparation
  • People management

Note: Most utilities use a pre-employment test. To pass you will need math, communications, problem solving and mechanical reasoning skills.


Program applicants should be:

  • Over the age 21 (preferred)
  • Willing and able to work in adverse and inclement weather conditions (heat/humidity, cold, light rain, etc)
  • Able and willing to work extended hours and away from home if needed depending on work assignments and/or storm restoration (opportunity for overtime)
  • Able to carry 50 lbs. or more for extended periods of time
  • Able to read and write at 9th grade level or above
  • Drug free and be willing to submit to a pre-program drug screen and periodic random drug screening 
  • Willing to refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol that may impair your ability to work safely
  • Willing to submit to a background check that verifies your education, driving records and criminal history