Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Colorado / Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship
Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship – Colorado Training Center
Program Information
The Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship (MSLCA) Colorado Training Center is a nationally recognized, registered apprenticeship program that prepares individuals for careers as electrical power line technicians (linemen). Sponsored by industry partners and supported by contractors affiliated with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), this program trains apprentices to build, maintain, and repair the electrical transmission and distribution systems that power communities across the Mountain States region.
Apprentice linemen enrolled in the MSLCA program learn a wide range of technical and safety-critical skills required to work in one of the most demanding and respected trades in the electrical industry. The work of a journeyman lineman is highly diversified and non-routine, meaning apprentices are trained to handle constantly changing job conditions, environments, and system configurations. Apprentices develop proficiency in overhead and underground line construction, equipment operation, electrical system maintenance, and emergency restoration.
Training emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and safety. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeyman linemen, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to real infrastructure projects from start to finish. This includes working at heights, operating bucket trucks and climbing poles, handling energized systems under strict safety protocols, and performing physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions. Travel is often required, and apprentices must be willing to work away from home when projects demand it.
Graduates of the Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship are highly employable across the electrical utility and contractor sectors. Entry-level lineworkers from this program are commonly hired by NECA-affiliated contractors and utility partners throughout Colorado and surrounding states. The program maintains strong employment outcomes, with approximately 90% of graduates securing employment upon completion.
Program Length
- Registered apprenticeship lasting approximately 3 years
- Term typically begins in October
- Combination of paid on-the-job training and related technical instruction
Career Training & Work Experience
- Overhead and underground power line construction
- Climbing utility poles and working from aerial lifts
- Installation and maintenance of conductors, transformers, and hardware
- Electrical system troubleshooting and storm restoration
- Rigging, equipment operation, and jobsite safety procedures
- Working safely at heights and in adverse weather conditions
Wages & Career Outlook
Apprentices earn wages throughout the program with increases as skills and required hours are completed. As of recent graduate outcomes, the average starting wage for program graduates is approximately $102,856 annually, reflecting the high earning potential of journey-level linemen. This trade offers exceptional long-term income, job security, and advancement opportunities within the electrical utility and contractor industries.
Program Requirements
- $25 non-refundable application fee
- Birth Certificate or valid Passport
- Official High School or GED transcript with graduation date, or associate degree or higher
- One credit of Algebra or higher-level math
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- DMV driving record covering the past 3 years (issued within 30 days of application)
- Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors and at heights
Additional Program Details
- Housing provided: No
- Boots and tools included: No
- Program cost: $30 per week
- Completion rate: Approximately 63%
- Employment rate after completion: Approximately 90%
- Possible scholarships: No
Career Outcomes
- Qualification as a journey-level powerline technician
- Employment with NECA-affiliated contractors and utilities
- High earning potential with transferable skills across states
- Long-term career stability in a critical infrastructure trade
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship 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.