Electric Line Technician (Continuing Education)

Electric lineworkers install, repair, and maintain electrical power distribution and transmission systems. Other responsibilities include setting and climbing poles, installing cross arms, hardware, lines, and transformers, using tools and equipment of the trade through field experience, overhead and underground electric line construction practices, electric theory and practice, transformer and meter installations, and safety codes and applications.

Program Overview

The Electric Line Technician program prepares students for entry-level careers as electric line technicians or line workers (job title may vary) through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on, outdoor training. Safety is emphasized in every aspect of the program. Coursework includes:

• Academic and field-based electrical linework skills
• Safe operation of industry-certified trucks and equipment
• Real-world training in outdoor environments
   

Qualified applicants who are not admitted are encouraged to reapply—there is no waiting list.

Note: ELT-3018A must be completed prior to taking ELT-3018B

---

Program Outcomes

Certifications

After completing the 14-week course, students will earn the following certifications:

• OSHA 10-Hour Construction
• National Safety Council Flagger Safety
• National Safety Council First Aid/CPR/AED
   

Employment

Students who complete the program typically enter a four- to six-year utility apprenticeship, with a competitive advantage: the program provides 544 credited hours to be applied towards their overall apprenticeship time, allowing them to start their professional careers quicker

Students receive resume and interview support through Career Services to help prepare for employment.

Application Information and Requirements

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a valid driver’s license (any state at application)
• Obtain a North Carolina driver’s license before the CDL course
• Obtain a CDL permit before the first day of the program
• Weigh 275 pounds or less (equipment safety requirement)
• Review the program’s Essential Skills

Program staff assist with verifying documentation (age, education, licenses, etc.).

---

Admissions Process

The Electric Line Technician has four program cohorts per year. Each cohort admits up to 12 students selected from the applicant pool. Preference is given to Durham and Orange County residents.

Students admitted into a cohort are notified after each application cycle. Accepted students must respond within one week. Accepted students who fail to respond will lose their seat in the cohort.

Students who are not admitted are encouraged to reapply. There is no waiting list.

Costs and Financial Support

Program Costs

The Electric Line Technician program is fully grant-funded for accepted students. Students do not have to pay for tuition, registration, textbooks, or required equipment (climbing boots and personal protective equipment (PPE)).

Students are responsible for paying the NC DMV application fee of $43.25 to take the CDL Permit Tests. The fee pays for up to three attempts of the knowledge tests. For more information, visit Get a Commercial Driver License.

Learn About Getting a Commercial Driver License

---

Financial Support: The Forward Fund

In partnership with Durham Tech, The Forward Fund (TFF) helps students enrolled in the Electric Line Technician program at Durham Tech cover their cost of attendance and living expenses with a 0% interest loan.

• Financial Support: Access a 0% interest Forward Fund loan between $2,000 and $10,000 to cover program costs, equipment, and your cost-of-living expenses (housing, childcare, transportation, etc.) during training.
• Student Support: Forward Fund’s preferential loan terms are designed to move you forward and eliminate long-term burden.  There is a three-month grace period on payments post-graduation and a 60-month payment timeframe.  Once you begin repayment, you can make monthly payments without any interest – and defer payment until you’re earning at least $45,000. There will be 0% interest for the duration of the loan. 
   

To learn more, visit The Forward Fund, or contact Danielle Knockum.

Learn More About The Forward Fund

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Requirement

Due to students being required to operate utility trucks during training, students must have one of the following before the first day of the Electric Line Technician course:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• CDL Learner’s Permit

Students who do not yet have a CDL or CDL Permit have the option to enroll in a CDL Prep course. Students who wish to take the prep course must be at least 18 years old and have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

CDL Prep Course Information

Durham Tech offers a 40-hour online CDL Prep course that is scheduled prior to each Electric Line Technician program cohort. The course takes place over five consecutive Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Students are provided a 30-minute lunch break.

• A device (phone, tablet, laptop, or computer) with internet access and a microphone is required (visit Computer and Internet Assistance for help obtaining a device)
• A device with a camera is preferred

Note: Holiday weekends may extend course duration

Course Meeting Times, Location, and Other Information

Days and Times

Electric Line Training is a ten-week, in-person, Monday - Friday training course. Each week consists of 40 training hours held 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch. Professional lineworkers work outside in all weather conditions and the training program may train in similar but safe situations. Major holidays are observed, and no classes are held.

---

Lunch Breaks

There are no nearby restaurants or fast-food places for breakfast, lunch or dinner, so students should bring a bag lunch. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available. Vending machines with beverages are available. 

Note: The Durham Tech Campus Harvest Food Pantry offers bags of groceries, frozen family meals, and feminine hygiene products to current students for contactless pickup. The food pantry is free and can be used on a weekly basis. 

---

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, including events such as hurricanes, snow, or ice accumulation, the Electric Line class will follow Durham Tech's decision to remain open or to close the College. Decisions related to College operations will be communicated in the following ways:

• An announcement on the College's website
• Posts on Durham Tech’s Twitter and Facebook pages;
• A voice message on the College’s switchboard at 919-536-7200;
• An announcement on the College’s Canvas site
• Notifications via local television/media outlets.

---

Dress Code

• Long sleeve work shirt or long sleeve T-shirt  
• Long work pants or jeans
• Lineman Boots (provided for students) 

---

Course Location

Northern Durham Center (NDC)
2401 Snow Hill Road, Durham, 27712
Building 1, Room 104
(919) 536-7240

Get Driving Directions

Note: There is no public transportation to the Northern Durham Center.

Registration

Registration for Spring CE courses are available on October 21.
Registration for Fall CE courses are available on July 1.