Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Christopher,

I checked online, it is a college to specifically prepare you to be a lineman.
For any trade school not only would I ask for contact information from alums but employers that hire from the school.
There are two kinds of trade schools; those that will prepare you for a job/trade and those that take your money but don't teach you anything an employer isn't going to train you in once you get the job, and the job requires experience that a certified program will ensure you get but a trade school will not.
Before you give them your money check them out carefully.
Best,
Susana

Dave Zimmerman ⋅ West Palm Beach, FL Allergan ⋅ 13 years experience

Chris
Why are you pursuing being a lineman? Is it something just to do now? Why do you want to be a lineman?
What do you like to do? When you were in the Marines, what job, position, activity made you feel good about doing it plus you considered it fun not work. Did you like to be in charge? Mentoring, leading? Tasks that took days versus hours? Live presentations? What did you like doing and made you feel like you made a difference?
If you are going to be a lineman, you got to love it. As Marine, you made a difference. You were the Iron Wall against the evil of this world. You were a Sheep Dog. You learnEd, endured, and did things that meant something. Most grunts can't lose that inherent need to be what they are.

There are many lines of work you can pursue that make you impactful and a good life for your family. I was a grunt. A nobody until the Marines showed me what I was and could be.

I feel by your questions, you might not be sold on being a lineman. My personal thought is you have much more potential. Sometimes, what we know hurts us more than what we don't. As a Fellow Marine, you need to expand your choices. You weren't put on this earth to be a regular guy. Don't say no money, time, or I can't, do it Marine.

My son is in Physical Assistant school. He met a girl, went on a African medical mission, and saw a situation where he could make an impact greatly. The girl is gone, but he found his true calling; the ability to change and save lives.

You have that in you. Expand your horizons, be the hero you are.

Jim Jones ⋅ Getzville, NY Fidelis Care ⋅ 35 years experience

Hi Christopher, thank you for your service. I would add to Susana's advice by suggesting that you seek out companies that employ linemen and ask what education and job skills they require. As Neil suggests, you maybe better off using your GI benefits for a 4 year degree if you seek to enter a management role during your career. Do your company research first, then make a decision based on their needs. Good luck.

_ _ ⋅ Urbandale, IA ⋅ 1 years experience

Neil is definitely the subject matter expert in this thread. I've worked with some electrical contractors in the past, and there are Union shops and merit based shops. If you are in a heavily unionized area, I recommend reaching out to the unions (IBEW) and asking them for advice and support. They could probably help land you.

Neil Serafin ⋅ Easthampton, MA Telecommunications ⋅ 40 years experience

Your are getting training in a good field. Few Americans want to have an "office" 40 feet up a pole, in the middle of the night, in an ice storm. Suggest after you get the training: Seek employment at Contractors for Utilities, Seek employment at Rural Electric Associations and Electrical Co- ops. If you have your GI Bill Education benefits, use it for a 4 year degree at a State College.....on line. Sometime in the future, if you stick with your trade, the employer will want to make you a manager. A college degree will help you get that manager position. While employed: learn everything you can about as built mapping, pole inspection, RFI resolution and pole attachment surveys. Contact me direct for more Info. I spent my working years down the pole from you...at the 18 foot level...in Cable TV.

Christopher Cisneros ⋅ Yoakum, TX U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal ⋅ 4 years served

Thank you Susana

Bryon Keim ⋅ Jacksonville, FL CSX Transportation ⋅ 21 years experience

Christopher,
first of all, thank you for your service. What school are you attending that is only 15 weeks long? Is this a trade school?

My initial thought is that any training or school you can attend is always valuable. I can provide better feedback with more information.
What is the school your attending?
What career path or type of job are you looking for?

Message me privately if you like.