Alaska Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship Program
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alaska / Alaska Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship Program
Alaska Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship Program – Anchorage & Statewide, AK
Program Information
The Alaska Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship Program is a federally registered apprenticeship administered by the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust (AJEATT), a partnership between the Alaska Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547. This program prepares individuals for a career as power lineworkers—professionals who install, maintain, and repair high-voltage overhead and underground electrical distribution systems under a variety of weather and terrain conditions.
The apprenticeship combines structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. It is designed to develop the technical skills, safety awareness, and professional experience needed to progress from apprentice to journeyman lineman. Alaska’s unique geography, including remote rural grids and larger transmission networks in the Railbelt and Southeast regions, provides diverse field exposure. Graduates of the program are equipped for work with utilities such as BBL Hydro and Alaska Electric Light & Power, among other employers throughout the state.
Through the apprenticeship, participants are employed full-time from day one, earning a wage while they learn and receiving periodic pay increases based on hours worked. Apprentices in Alaska earn a percentage of the journeyman wage scale as they complete each phase of on-the-job training, and they receive classroom instruction covering electrical theory, safety protocols, codes, and utility construction practices.
Program Length
- Approximately 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job training and related instruction (typically ~4 years)
- Paid apprenticeship with progressive wage increases at regular intervals
- Rolling applications and seasonal class scheduling
Wages & Benefits
Apprentice linemen begin earning a percentage of the current journeyman rate set in the collective bargaining agreement. With each additional 1,000 hours of experience, apprentices receive incremental wage increases. Journeyman linemen in Alaska can earn competitive rates (for example, reported journeyman wages exceed $70 per hour with full benefits through union agreements with IBEW Local 1547).
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of interview and selection
- Valid Alaska driver’s license
- High School Diploma, GED, or higher degree
- Official high school transcripts showing completion of Algebra 1 or equivalent (grade “C” or better)
- $25 non-refundable application fee
- Proof of Alaska residency may be required for certain intake periods
Training & On-The-Job Experience
Apprentices receive extensive hands-on experience working with journey-level linemen in live environments, including electrical distribution systems, pole climbing, setting and anchoring hardware, working with conductors, transformers, and equipment used in both overhead and underground applications. Classroom sessions reinforce field learning with instruction on electrical theory, codes, safety standards, tool use, and utility construction technologies.
Career Opportunities
- Journeyman lineman roles with utilities, electrical contractors, and cooperatives
- Specialized utility construction positions in both rural and urban settings
- Advanced roles in power system maintenance and emergency response teams
- Opportunities to work across Alaska’s grid infrastructure, including remote and coastal environments
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Alaska Electrical Lineman Apprenticeship Program is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Lineman.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.