Program highlights
- The Lineman program begins once a year in the summer with a one-year certificate with the option to continue and earn an associate degree (with four additional classes) for transfer.
- Representatives from Evergy (formerly KCP& L), Independence Power & Light and Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative are on the MCC-Blue River advisory board to assist with course content.
- The program's curriculum is built around real-world needs.
- You will learn to install and remove poles, conductors, cables and equipment used in electrical power and distribution systems.
- You also will learn to build single stations and three phase transformer banks off of the pole.
Application information
The lineman program is a full-time, year-long program beginning in June, where approximately 40 new cohort students are accepted.
The application deadline is April 1. However, there is no guarantee that a spot will be open until then.
Early applications will receive priority status during the review process. Applications may continue to be accepted until all seats in the program have been filled for the next summer class.
Once accepted, you will be sized for your climbing belt provided by MCC. The student is required to purchase their own climbing boots and will receive a discount from West Coast Boots for this purchase.
Evaluation boot camp
Applicants are required to attend one of three evaluation camps during the selection process into the program.
| Application Submitted | Attend boot camp |
|---|---|
| August, September, October | November |
| November, December, January | February |
| January, February, March | April |
Careers
You can work as a power lineworker, journeyman lineworker, substation technician, cable splicer, utility worker and more. Our alumni work at electrical utility companies across the region.
Those who work in an apprenticeship (typically for the first four years at a utility company) make about $75,000 per year. Once you complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyman lineworker, you can make $100,000 or more per year.
Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information, employment outlook and personal characteristics needed for this career.
If you want to find out if a career as a line technician is for you, start by taking the Center for Energy Workforce Development's career quiz. If you are interested, contact a Student Success Advisor at MCC-Blue River by calling 816.604.1000 to discuss next steps.
Frequently asked questions
-
Summer semester, the lineman class will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's from 7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Fall and Spring semesters, the lineman classes will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's from 7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Your general education classes will be on the days you don't have the lineman classes. That makes this a full time, day program. No classes are offered at night.
-
The certificate is three semesters starting in the summer. (one year)
-
You will need an additional four classes to receive the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) It's only one more semester!
-
Yes, dual credit will help you get a jump start on the program. It can also set you up to finish the A.A.S. in only one year.
-
You can apply for loans, grants and scholarships just like you would at any college. Learn more about financial aid.
-
Yes, A+ will pay for tuition. You will be responsible for any additional fees (lab fees, program fees, books etc.)
-
Yes, the GI Bill® will pay for the program.
-
Yes, you must have successfully completed the following classes before you can begin the program.
- BUSN 190
- English: ENGL 101
- Math: MATH 102 or higher
-
Yes, having all the classes and setting yourself up to complete the A.A.S. will raise your score during the selection process.
-
Several factors will be taken into consideration. The application, references, essay, program preview evaluation, interview, completed classes etc.
-
The program preview will have task that will be performed outside. Digging holes, climbing a 40 foot pole (in a safety device) and assembling material. The interview be conducted by the field instructors. This will generally be a series of questions.
-
No, we will provide you with your climbing gear, belt and tools while in class.
If you successfully complete the program they will be yours to keep. You will need to buy your climbing boots and hand tools. This will be reviewed with students before they begin the program.