Lineman and Arboriculture Associate of Applied Technology Degree
The Lineman and Arboriculture AAT is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in the electrical grid industry. The curriculum emphasizes essential training in electrical transmission, distribution, and power generation, incorporating critical skills in infrastructure maintenance for transmission lines, power stations, and related facilities. Students also gain specialized training in groundwork, vegetation management, and line maintenance support. Career opportunities within this industry include roles such as utility line workers, distributors, and dispatchers.
Program Pathway
The Lineman and Arboriculture program is designed to provide students with stackable credentials that can be taken individually or combined to complete the associate’s degree. Students may enter the program at any quarter, provided course prerequisites are met, allowing for direct entry into specialized areas aligned with specific career paths. Students can then deepen their knowledge and experience through work-based learning and coursework offered in formats conducive to working adults.
The program consists of core courses, program options, and electives. Core courses, required for all students pursuing an Lineman and Arboriculture AAT degree, cover essential topics such as electricity, mathematics, communication, and social sciences.
Students will complete one or more program options designed to provide critical skills within the electrical grid industry. The current program options include the Electrical Line Worker option, Groundman, and Arboriculture.
Electives offer additional opportunities to earn credentials that enhance employability in focused areas. CDL truck driver certification is included as an elective, as a CDL-A license is commonly required for outdoor electric power roles and is necessary for individuals applying for a line worker apprenticeship.
Students in this program will gain a comprehensive understanding of electrical grid infrastructure, encompassing transmission, distribution, and generation systems. Through theoretical coursework, hands-on lab exercises, and real-world field experiences, students will learn to analyze, design, and maintain electrical grids, supporting the demand for reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.
Consumer Information
The Electrical Line Worker quarter is an option within the Lineman & Arboriculture AAT degree offered by Clover Park Technical College (CPTC). Twenty-five (25) of the 28 credits offered during this quarter are taught in partnership with the Northwest Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee headquartered at 1705 SE 17th Street, Battle Ground, Washington.
Eighty-nine percent (89%) of the Electrical Line Worker certificate is taught by NWLine, and eleven percent (11%) is taught by CPTC.
For students pursuing the Lineman and Arboriculture AAT degree, twenty-one to twenty-five percent (21%-25%) of the degree program is taught by NWLine, depending on the program options and number of credits selected.
The theory and lab courses taught during the Electrical Line Worker quarter are taught on CPTC’s Lakewood campus, utilizing the pole yard established by NWLine and taught by journey level line workers actively working in industry. These are hands-on courses that require in-person participation. There is a VOLTA lab fee of $6,235.86 associated with this quarter to cover the additional costs associated with the specialized training provided by NWLine. Students should also be prepared to purchase required equipment and clothing required for the training, which amounts to approximately $3,000.
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