Lineman and Arboriculture Associate of Applied Technology Degree

Clover Park Technical College ETPL

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.

Financial information

Total tuition

$2,566.88

Total required fees

$10,102.46

Books and supplies

$3,440.63

Locations

Lakewood

Instructional methods

In-person Primary Location

Is this program offered on evenings and weekends?

No

Program details

16 Months

Length of training

Associate

Award type

101

Credits

900

Clock Hours (Total)

Additional details

Award name

AAT

Education Prerequisites

None

Prerequisite courses and other requirements

Students need to be at least 17 years and 6 months old to enroll into the program.

Students who choose to take the CDL classes need to:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age when enrolled
  2. Possess a valid Washington State driver's license
  3. Provide a certified five-year driving abstract from DOL. No DUI, negligent driving, reckless driving, or hit-and-run violations within the past five years, with no more than three moving violations within the past 36 months
  4. Complete a DOT physical examination (Form MCSA-5876) from a certified medical examiner
  5. Pass a DOT drug screening at an approved testing facility Note: Drug test results are valid for 30 days and may take up to two weeks to process. Request that results be sent directly to Clover Park Technical College. Enrollment will not be finalized until results are received.
  6. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency. Students will obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) after the first week of class. Required documents to obtain the CLP include a birth certificate or valid U.S. passport and proof of U.S. residency or work authorization. Important Notes: Students under 21 are restricted to intrastate (Washington only) driving Federal law prohibits marijuana use by CDL holders regardless of state law. A positive drug test will prevent enrollment until DOT SAP requirements are met

Is this program approved to train veterans?

Yes

Program languages

English

Certification/license obtained as part of training program

N/A

Certification/license test preparation provided

N/A

Employment performance results

Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.

Top industries for graduates

Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.

Careers for graduates

Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.

Student characteristics

Data is unavailable for one of several reasons: In some cases, the institution has not provided the Workforce Board with data to independently evaluate program performance. We encourage all schools to provide this data on an annual basis. In other cases, the program joined Career Bridge recently and student data has not been reported yet. In other cases, the program is too small or too new to provide reliable results.