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.
Program Length
4-5 quarters
Admission Dates
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Program Outcomes
• Communicate technical concepts and industry practices within the electrical grid sector, demonstrating respect for diverse perspectives and communication styles.
• Evaluate the design, implementation, and management of electrical grid transmission systems and propose equitable solutions that enhance grid performance.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards, adhering to safety protocols and regulations essential to the electrical grid industry.
• Utilize software tools and simulators to analyze, optimize, and manage electrical grid systems and ensure equitable access to reliable and affordable energy services for all stakeholders.
Prerequisite Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
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:
- Be at least 18 years of age when enrolled
- Possess a valid Washington State driver's license
- 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
- Complete a DOT physical examination (Form MCSA-5876) from a certified medical examiner
- 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.
- 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
Core Course List
Program Options: Choose one of the following 3 tracks (required)
| Track 1 Electrical Line Worker | 25 |
| LINE 145 | VOLTA Rigging | 5 |
| LINE 146 | VOLTA Basic Electrical Theory | 5 |
| LINE 147 | VOLTA Climbing | 5 |
| LINE 148 | VOLTA Equipment and Hardware | 5 |
| LINE 149 | VOLTA Safety | 5 |
| | |
| Track 2 Groundman | 20 |
| LINE 161 | Utility Ground Operations and Site Preparation | 5 |
| LINE 162 | Equipment Handling and Maintenance for Groundmen | 5 |
| LINE 163 | Safe Practices and Hazzard Management in Ground Work | 5 |
| LINE 164 | Underground Utility Work and Cable Handling | 5 |
| | |
| Track 3 Arboriculture | 20 |
| LINE 151 | Tree Biology and Species Identification | 5 |
| LINE 152 | Tree Health Assessment and Care Practices | 5 |
| LINE 153 | Climbing, Rigging, and Knot Applications | 5 |
| LINE 154 | Pruning Techniques and Chainsaw Proficiency | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20-25 |
Electives: Choose from the following (minimum 40 credits required)
| LINE 125 | Safety and Emergency Response | 5 |
| LINE 130 | Comprehensive Machinery Operation and Flagging | 5 |
| LINE 135 | Basic Rigging and Lifting | 5 |
| LINE 140 | Construction Blueprint Reading | 5 |
| | |
| CDL 170 | Introduction to Commercial Driving | 5 |
| CDL 175 | Vehicle Operations and Control | 5 |
| CDL 180 | Safety Procedures and Emergency Handling | 5 |
| CDL 185 | CDL Licensing Preparation | 5 |
| CDL 190 | Introduction to Truck Maintenance | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 40 |
Note: Up to 20 course credits from the following programs may be accepted as electives
- Automotive Technician
- Automotive Collision Technician
- Construction Technologies
- Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
- Heating and Air Conditioning /Refrigeration Service Technician
- Mechatronics
- Welding
The program allows up to 120 credits at the students’ discretion in order to provide flexibility to pursue additional electives or a second option if desired.
Total Credits
| Total Credit Hours: | 101-120 |