Electric Line Technician (Continuing Education)

Electric lineworkers install, repair, and maintain electrical power distribution and transmission systems.

• 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
• Safety codes and applications
• Teamwork

This course is currently on hold. Please continue to check back for when we have reopened the application process.

Program Content Overview

The program provides a mix of classroom and outdoor, hands-on instruction in the academic and field skills necessary to become entry-level electric lineworkers.

• Safety is stressed in every aspect at every opportunity during the program training. 
• Students will have experience using industry-certified trucks and equipment. 
• Durham Tech insurance requires students to have a valid NC driver's license and either a commercial driver's license learners permit or any classification of a commercial driver's license (CDL). Students must meet this requirement by the first day of the Electric Line Technician course. A forty-hour online CDL Permit course is available for students who do not have a CDL permit. The course prepares students to pass the three NC DMV CDL permit tests required for a North Carolina CDL permit.

The 10-week Electric Line Technician course includes training to earn:

• OSHA 10-hour course for Construction
• National Safety Council Flagger Safety course
• National Safety Council First Aid/CPR/AED course

Each Electric Line Technician course has a cap of 12 students. The size limitation ensures the safest conditions exist for the instructor-to-student ratio. Students are selected from the pool of applicants. Qualified applicants not admitted are encouraged to apply again. There is no waiting list.

Resume and job interview assistance is available. Visit the Career Services section for more information.

Utility companies have new employees complete a four to six year apprenticeship. The Electric Line Technician 10-week course reduces the apprenticeship duration once in a job. Three hundred and fifty (350) hours are credited to the student's apprenticeship with their future employer.

Program Costs

Students in the Electric Line Technician course and the CDL Permit course are not charged for registration, tuition, or fees. The program is grant-funded. Students do not need to apply for the grant. The grant is automatically awarded when students are accepted into the program. 

Textbooks, climbing boots, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided at no charge to the students. 
Students are responsible for the NC DMV application fee of $43.25 to take the CDL Permit Tests. The fee applies towards taking up to three attempts of the knowledge tests. Visit NC DMV: Applying for a Commercial Driver License for more information.

CDL Permit Online Course Description and Requirements

Durham Tech insurance requires students to have either a commercial driver's license learners permit or any classification of a commercial driver's license (CDL). Learning to operate utility trucks is part of the Electric Line Technician course. 

To qualify to take the North Carolina DMV CDL Permit tests, a student must:

• Possess a valid NC driver's license 
• Be at least 18 years old

A CDL Permit course is available to help students prepare for the CDL permit tests. It is scheduled four times a year and it is offered several weeks before the start of each Electric Line Technician course.

The course runs online for five consecutive Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break at 11:30 a.m. If a major holiday weekend occurs during the class schedule, that class will not be held, making some courses a week longer.

CDL Permit Course Technology Requirements

Students require Wi-Fi or internet-enabled cell phones and tablets, laptops, or personal computers with a microphone, to access the live class and interact with the instructor and classmates. Cameras are preferred but not required.

To learn about discounted computers and internet options or loaner laptops available at the college, read Computer and Internet Assistance for Students.

Electric Line Technician 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 35 training hours held 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with 30 minutes 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) 

Electric Line Technician Course Location

The Electric Line Technician course is held at the:

Northern Durham Center (NDC)
2401 Snow Hill Rd 
Durham, 27712
Building 1, Room 104
Main Telephone: 919-536-7240

View the Google Map for driving directions.

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

Housing Information

Durham Tech does not offer special housing for students in the Electric Line program.

Program Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to be considered for acceptance into the program:

• Should review the Essential Skills information. 
• Have a high school diploma or equivalency to be considered for admission into the Electric Line Technician program. The program includes the CDL Permit course and the Electric Line Technician course.
• Be at least 18 years old by the first class of the CDL Permit course. 
• Have a valid driver's license from any state to apply to the Electric Line Technician program and an NC valid driver's license before attending the first class of the CDL Permit course.
• Weigh 275 pounds or less. A student weight restriction of 275 pounds is an essential requirement. This restriction ensures that all weight-rated equipment is used appropriately and safely within the maximum allowed weight loading.
• Have a Commercial Drivers License Permit (CDL Permit) before the first day of the Electric Line Technician course. If the student does not have a CDL Permit by the first day of the Electric Line Technician course, the student may not attend. 

The Program Director and the Program Specialist will work with students to submit the supporting documentation verifying minimum age, educational requirements, driver's licenses, etc.

Application Information to the Electric Line Technician Program

1. Each Electric Line Technician class has a cap of 12 students. The size limitation ensures the safest conditions exist for the instructor-to-student ratio.
2. Students are selected from the applicants who applied during one of the open application periods listed in number 7 below.
3. Qualified applicants not admitted are encouraged to apply again. There is no waiting list.
4. Preference is given to Durham County and Orange County residents as they live in the counties that Durham Tech serves.
5. In accordance with the Durham Tech Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity at Durham Tech Action Plan, the Electric Line Technician program will work collaboratively with our local school systems, community partners, and industry to ensure that historically underrepresented and underserved minorities enroll, persist, progress, complete a credential and enter the workforce at equitable rates.
6. Review the essential skills, students need to consider before applying.
7. Applications are accepted four times a year.
8. Students who submit applications are notified if accepted or not into the program on the following dates that correspond with the application dates above.
9. Students are removed from the class list if they do not reply to acceptance email notifications and phone calls within a week of the notification date. Their seat is awarded to the next student in line to be accepted.

Currently, there is a waiting list for the next course. Please continue to check back for when we have reopened the application process.